Injuries & First Aid

A bruise is a dark mark on the skin. It can be blue, purple, or green. A bruise happens when someone hits their arm, leg, or another part of the body. It can happen from falling, or bumping into something. Anyone can get a bruise.

A bruise can hurt when you touch it, but sometimes it does not hurt much. The skin is not cut, and there is no blood on the outside. The blood stays under the skin, and that is why the color changes.

A bruise usually gets better in a few days. Each day, the color may change. It may look purple first, then green, then yellow. When the color goes away, the bruise is healed.

There are simple ways to take care of a bruise. People can rest the hurt area. They can also put something cold on it, like ice wrapped in a cloth. This helps the bruise feel better.

People should be gentle with the bruise. They should not press it hard. If the bruise is on the leg or arm, it may help to keep the leg or arm up for a short time.

Most bruises are not serious. They go away on their own. If a bruise is very big, very painful, or does not get better, a person should tell a doctor.

A bruise is common. It can happen to anyone. With rest and care, the bruise will fade and the skin will look normal again.