Typically, when small blood vessels under the skin are damaged, bruising occurs. However, these bruises can change in color during the healing process, which is why many people think that the skin turns yellow. The reason for the yellowish bruises on skin is that the blood vessels below the skin's surface have ruptured or the bruise is in the healing stage.
1. Formation of yellow bruises on the skin
Based on the color, we can estimate the stage of a bruise. When a bruise is in the healing process, the breakdown of hemoglobin and the compounds responsible for the red color of blood cause the bruise to change color. However, skin tone also plays a significant role in the appearance of bruises. According to some studies, people with medium skin tones may have more red and yellow in their bruises. In contrast, individuals with dark skin tones often have darker bruises.
Color changes of a bruise through different stages:
- In the initial stage, when the bruise first appears, it is typically red. This is due to the fresh blood (oxygen-rich blood) accumulating underneath the skin.
- After 1 -2 days, the blood begins to lose oxygen and change color. A bruise that is a few days old will often appear blue, purple, black.
- After 5-10 days, the bruise may turn yellow or green. These colors come from compounds called biliverdin and bilirubin, which the body produces when it breaks down hemoglobin. This is the reason for the yellowing of a bruise.
- After 10-14 days, a bruise may turn yellowish-brown or light brown, depending on the individual’s skin tone.
- In the final stage, a bruise will begin to fade. Most bruises will disappear without treatment within about 2 weeks.
2. Some methods to shorten the recovery time of bruises
The following methods are simple and effective, you can apply them at home to treat yellow bruises:
- Ice therapy: You can use almost anything for this, but the most common is ice packs. Use a washcloth or paper towel to wrap around the ice pack to prevent frostbite. Then, apply it to the bruised area. That can reduce the size of bruises, decrease swelling and inflammation.
- Use creams: some common creams include: arnica, quercetin, vitamin B3 or vitamin K, as they can speed up the recovery process quickly.
- Compression: you can use an elastic bandage wrap around the bruise while awake. Apply this method for 1 to 2 days, which can help reduce the bruising and alleviate discomfort.
3. Bruises on the skin can be a sign of what disease?
Typically, bruises occur due to physical trauma that causes blood to pool underneath the skin. This condition usually heals on its own within 1 to 2 weeks. However, in some special cases, bruising could be a sign reflecting an underlying health condition:
- Nutritional deficiency: When your body lacks certain vitamins, the blood vessel walls become weakened and more easily broken, leading to bruising, which can turn yellow.
- Use medicine: Antidepressants, iron supplements, analgesic, asthma medications, etc.
- Blood disorders: low platelet count, inherited clotting disorders, etc. can cause bruising, often accompanied by other symptoms such as swollen legs, leg pain, gingivorrhagia (gingival hemorrhage), or epistaxis, etc.
- Cancer: Leukemia (blood cancer combined with bone marrow involvement)
- Hormonal imbalance and diabetes
For these reasons, you should go to the doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Suspected fracture
- Reduced or loss of joint function
- Increased or severe pain
- Unexplained bruising
- Bruises taking longer than 2 weeks to heal
- Bruise around the eyes affecting vision
- For individuals taking anticoagulants (Ccoumadin), it is recommended to consult a physician if they experience any significant trauma.
Bruising can manifest in various colors, so there is no need for excessive concern if the bruise turns yellow. The discoloration typically resolves within approximately two weeks. However, if the bruise takes longer to heal and is accompanied by the aforementioned symptoms, it is advisable to consult a physician for appropriate management.
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