What Are the Different Color Stages of Bruising?
What is Bruising?
Bruising is the result of an injury that causes the small blood vessels in the skin to leak. The blood that leaks out of the vessels is what causes the discoloration of the skin, resulting in a bruise.
The Color Stages of Bruising
Bruises can range in color from light purple to deep blue or even black. As the bruise heals, the color of the bruise changes. The color stages of bruising can be broken down into four distinct stages:
Stage 1: Red
When a bruise first appears, it will be red in color. This is caused by the inflammation of the injured area and is the body's natural response to injury.
Stage 2: Purple
As the bruise starts to heal, it will turn a purple color. The purple color is caused by the blood that is still in the area and is slowly being reabsorbed by the body.
Stage 3: Yellow
As the bruise continues to heal, it will turn yellow. The yellow color is caused by the body breaking down the blood and reabsorbing it, as well as the body breaking down the inflammatory cells that were released in response to the injury.
Stage 4: Brown or Green
The final stage of a bruise is brown or green. This is when the bruise is almost completely healed. The brown or green color is caused by the body breaking down the blood and reabsorbing it.
Conclusion
Bruises can range in color from light purple to deep blue or even black. As the bruise heals, the color of the bruise changes. The color stages of bruising can be broken down into four distinct stages: red, purple, yellow, and brown or green.