How to Make a Purple Bruise Go Away Faster

Written by Lisa Green

27 July, 2017

Fact Checked

Bruises form when a small amount of blood leaks into the tissues under the skin, usually as the result of trauma. Bruises typically change in color from red to purple to yellow to brown over the course of one to four weeks, before disappearing on their own. However, some faint discoloration may last for months, especially with severe bruising. Applying correct first aid following an injury aids the healing process, and is your best chance of minimizing purple bruising 1. Controversy remains over whether certain natural ingredients, most notably Arnica and vitamin K, are effective at fading dark bruises when applied topically 2.

Wash the wound with clean water to prevent infection. Skip this step if the skin is not broken.

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Wrap an elastic bandage around the injured part to help prevent blood vessels from leaking.

Apply an ice or a cold pack to the affected body area to reduce swelling.

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Apply pressure and keep the ice pack on for at least 20 minutes.

Keep the injured area elevated to reduce blood flow.

Reapply the ice pack (as per steps 3 and 4) on and off for 24 hours following the injury.

Replace the ice pack with a heat pack or electric head pad after 24 hours. Apply the heat pack for 20 minutes on and off over the course of the next 24 hours.

Keep the bruised area rested 1.

Buy a cream or gel containing Arnica montana or vitamin K.

Rub a thin layer of the product onto the bruise.

Reapply twice a day or as directed by the manufacturer until the bruise fades.

Tips

Be patient. There is no instant cure for bruises, but topical treatments may help to fade a bruise over the course of several days. Topical formulations with 20% Arnica, or a combination of 1% vitamin K and 0.3% retinol, have been shown to be effective as fading purple bruising in clinical trials. If you feel you bruise too easily, try increasing your intake of vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, bioflavonoids and zinc.

Warnings

Arnica can cause a reaction in come people, so discontinue use immediately if your skin becomes red, itchy or inflamed. Do not use Arnica on broken skin. Seek help from a health care provider if your bruises do not fade over time, or if they are unusually large or painful, especially if there is no obvious cause.