Is it better to ice or heat a bruise?
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Hello, I am 19 years old female. I have bruises on my hand I don't know from where I got them but I am trying to heal them as they are burning. I am confused what should I do? Should I ice or should I heat a bruise?
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@zhiqiang Hello, it is better to ice the bruise. Apply ice immediately after the injury to reduce blood flow around the area. Cooling the blood vessels can reduce the amount of blood that leaks into the surrounding tissue. This can prevent the bruise from being as apparent and reduce swelling. On the day you get a bruise, apply an ice pack to reduce swelling as well as constrict broken blood vessels. Those vessels then may leak less blood. Avoid heat. In the first two or three days after bruising yourself, a very hot bath or shower could cause more bleeding and swelling. Bruises may take a few weeks to heal. Consult a doctor if you develop a lump over your bruise, or you notice blood in your urine or stool.