Bruise treatment

Ice should be applied immediately to an area that is injured to reduce swelling and diminish the black-and-blue discoloration of bruising. Ice packs may be alternated with a heat pack for the next 48 hours. Although bruising may be reduced by this method, some discoloration will still be visible.

Review Date: 07/13/2009
Reviewed By: Jacob L. Heller, MD, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, Clinic. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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