What does it mean when a bruise starts to turn red?

It often starts red because fresh, oxygen-rich blood has newly pooled underneath the skin. After around 1–2 days, the blood begins to lose oxygen and change color. A bruise that is a few days old will often appear blue, purple, or even black.

How long should a bruise stay blue?

Bruises usually fade away in about 2 weeks. Over that time, the bruise changes color as the body breaks down and reabsorbs the blood.

Why did my bruise go from purple to red?

As you heal, an iron-rich substance in your blood — called hemoglobin — breaks down into other compounds. This process makes your bruise change colors: It’s usually red right after the injury.

How do you treat blue black bruises?

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1. Rest the bruised area, if possible.
2. Ice the bruise with an ice pack wrapped in a towel. Leave it in place for 10 to 20 minutes. Repeat several times a day for a day or two as needed.
3. Compress the bruised area if it is swelling, using an elastic bandage. Don’t make it too tight.
4. Elevate the injured area.

Can a bruise be red?

Bruises often begin as a red mark on the skin because fresh, oxygen-rich blood has pooled under the skin. After 1-2 days the blood that has leaked out begins to lose oxygen and change color. Depending on the size, location and severity of your bruise, it could appear shades of blue, purple or black.

What is the best thing to do for a bad bruise?

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• Rest the bruised area, if possible.
• Ice the bruise with an ice pack wrapped in a towel. Leave it in place for 10 to 20 minutes. Repeat several times a day for a day or two as needed.
• Compress the bruised area if it is swelling, using an elastic bandage. Don’t make it too tight.
• Elevate the injured area.

Why is my bruise turning from blue to red?

Fresh blood is leaking from your injured blood vessels and into your tissue, and is bright red because it is high in iron and oxygen. Sometimes, your bruise can change colors within just a few hours. Blood that initially leaked from your injured blood vessels quickly loses its oxygen content.

What are the stages of a bruise?

Bruises typically take 2 to 4 weeks to heal. As a bruise heals blood is reabsorbed into the body. Healing is accompanied by a change to various colors ranging from purplish black to reddish blue and yellowish green as the WebMD website says.

What are all the bruise colors and what do they mean?

Bruises are usually red or purple discolorations right after an injury. This is because they are the color of the blood that has pooled underneath the skin. As a bruise heals, the body breaks down blood and fluids that have accumulated under the skin.

What does bright red bruise mean?

Red Bruises. When you first get a bruise — especially one near the surface of your skin — it usually appears red. The color comes from fresh blood leaking into your tissues. Fresh blood is bright red because it contains both iron and oxygen.