Definition

A contusion occurs when blood vessels are damaged or broken after an injury. The raised area of the contusion is the result of blood and fluid leaking from the injured blood vessels into the tissue. You usually see a discolored, purplish area that takes 2-3 weeks to go away.

The condition is a minor problem that usually needs little treatment. Consult with your doctor if the injury does not clear up within a few weeks or if it is severe.

Causes

Contusions are caused by minor accidents to your skin, such as falling, bumping into something, or being hit, or kicked.

Risk Factors

Almost everyone suffers contusions as a result of routine bumps. People who are at higher risk include:

• Children and teens
• People who play contact sports
• People with blood-clotting problems
• People taking blood-thinners, such as aspirin

Symptoms

Contusions may cause:

• Skin discoloration (usually blue and/or purple, fading to yellow)
• Pain
• Swelling

Diagnosis

The skin discoloration, pain, and swelling of a contusion are enough to diagnose the condition.

Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options to help lessen the swelling and pain include:

• Applying ice or a cold pack to the injured area (do not place ice directly on your skin.)
• Elevating the injured area above the level of your heart
• Taking pain relievers if recommended by your doctor

Additional treatment may be needed if:

• Have a more serious injury (such as fracture)
• Have broken the skin (may need a tetanus shot or antibiotics)

Prevention

Using proper safety equipment can help prevent contusions.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/

Health Canada http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca

Bruise control. University of Rochester, Medical Center website. Available at:
http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/Encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=ContentID=1384
Accessed July 23, 2012.

Contusion. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated September 27, 2011. Accessed July 23, 2012.