What Are The Color Stages of Bruises?
Introduction
Bruises are a common injury, especially for those who are more active. They are caused by tiny blood vessels that break when a person gets hit by an object, falls, or experiences some other kind of trauma. Bruises come in different colors and can range from very light to deep purple, indicating the severity of the injury. It is important to understand the different colors of bruises, as each color signifies a different stage of healing.
Red or Pink Bruises
Red or pink bruises are the earliest stage of a bruise. The trauma to the blood vessels causes the blood to leak out, resulting in a red or pink discoloration on the skin. This color indicates that the injury is fresh and that the body is just beginning the healing process.
Purple or Blue Bruises
As the injury heals, the red or pink color of the bruise will begin to change to a purple or blue color. This indicates that the body is sending more blood to the area to help with healing. The color change takes several days and is generally accompanied by swelling and tenderness.
Yellow or Green Bruises
After the purple or blue stage, the bruise will begin to turn yellow or green. This indicates that the body is in the process of breaking down the blood that leaked into the area. The yellow or green color will usually last for a few days before the bruise begins to fade.
Fading Bruises
Once the yellow or green color has faded, the bruise will start to lighten and eventually disappear completely. This indicates that the body has finished its healing process and that the bruise has healed. Depending on the severity of the injury, it can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks for the bruise to completely fade away.