How to Minimize Bruising

Bruising after injury is quite common after an injury and it usually isn't serious, just unsightly and potentially painful. You can minimize bruising if you act quickly.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Reduce the size of the bruise and relieve pain by icing the area immediately. Keep the ice pack on the bruise for about 10 minutes.
2. Raise the injured area above the level of your heart. This helps to prevent blood from collecting at the bruise.
3. Wrap the bruise with an elastic bandage to put pressure on the injured area. This pressure will help reduce blood flow to the injury.
4. Do not expose the bruised area to heat sources. Heat sources, such as hot showers, can increase blood flow, which can increase bruising.
5. Put a cream containing vitamin K on the injured area. Vitamin K helps the body to absorb blood. If the blood in the injured area is absorbed by the body, there will be less bruising. Vitamin K creams can be obtained from vitamin stores or online.
6. Take plenty of vitamin C. People who take plenty of vitamin C, either through foods or vitamins, often do not bruise as easily.