Contusion

(Bruise)

by Amy Scholten, MPH

Definition

A contusion is when blood vessels are damaged or broken after an injury. Blood and fluid then leak from the injured blood vessels into the tissue. This results in a discolored, purplish area in the skin. It takes 2 to 3 weeks to go away. A contusion is also called a bruise.

Contusion of Skin

Causes

Contusions are usually caused by bumps to the skin. This may happen from falling, bumping into something, or being hit, or kicked.

Risk Factors

Almost everyone gets contusions. Those with a higher risk are:

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

Contusions are diagnosed by physical exam of the skin.

Treatment

The goal is to reduce swelling and pain by:

Applying ice or a cold pack to the injured area
Elevating the injured area above the level of the heart
Taking pain medicine, as advised by the doctor

Prevention

Using proper safety equipment can help prevent contusions.

RESOURCES:

American Academy of Family Physicians
http://www.familydoctor.org

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

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Health Network
http://www.ccohs.ca/chn/

Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca

References:

Anticoagulation overview. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/drug-review/anticoagulation-overview. Accessed February 23, 2021.

Bruises. Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed February 23, 2021.

Neutze D, Roque J. Clinical evaluation of bleeding and bruising in primary care. Am Fam Physician. 2016;93(4):279-286.

Last reviewed January 2021 by Mary Beth Seymour, RN
Last Updated: 2/23/2021

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