How To Get Rid Of Bruises: 7 Effective Home Remedies

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SubscribeA list of ways to get rid of a bruiseMedically reviewed by Jenneh Rishe, RN — Written by Jennifer Berry — Updated on February 20, 2024

• Ice
• Arnica
• Bromelain
• Vitamin K cream
• Aloe vera
• When to see a doctor
• Takeaway

Home remedies for getting rid of a bruise include ice, arnica, vitamin K creams, and eating foods that contain bromelain, such as pineapple.

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Bruising is a typical response to an injury. Bruises occur when tiny blood vessels become damaged, leaving behind blood trapped beneath the skin. Eventually, the body will reabsorb the blood as the injury heals.

Bruises do not necessarily require any treatment. However, some home remedies may speed up healing, minimize their appearance, and prevent them from happening in the first place.

The following home remedies are safe for minor bruising and may help get rid of bruises faster.

Ice

Ice, or cold therapy, can temporarily reduce blood flow to the skin. Some evidence indicates that this may reduce bruising.

A 2020 review and meta-analysis of previous research found that applying ice for 3–5 minutes before and after a heparin injection could reduce bruising, pain, and hematomas, which are larger accumulations of blood under the skin.

For this method, wrap ice or a cool pack inside a clean towel and gently press to the bruised area for several minutes. Do not press ice directly onto the skin.

Arnica

Arnica montana, or arnica, is a herb many people use for pain and bruising. This is because it contains compounds that have an anti-inflammatory effect.

A 2021 review of previous research found that 18 out of 25 studies on arnica showed it significantly helped with bruising. However, not all of the studies reached the same conclusion. The author highlights a need for more research.

Bromelain

Bromelain is a mixture of enzymes that occur naturally in certain fruits, such as pineapple. These enzymes may have anti-inflammatory properties and help reduce bruising.

A 2021 study found that drinking pineapple juice before and after facial surgery reduced postsurgical bruising and led to a faster recovery. The participants drank 350 milliliters twice daily for 7 days before the surgery and 7 days after.

An older 2014 study of 45 participants found that oral bromelain improved pain and swelling after tooth extractions compared to a pain medication and a placebo.

People can try this remedy by eating pineapple or drinking pineapple juice. Alternatively, they can try oral bromelain supplements if a doctor recommends it. Bromelain can interact with other medications, so it is important to consult a doctor before taking it.

Vitamin K cream

A 2021 review states that several studies have found vitamin K creams and ointments can reduce facial bruising. It appears to work by reducing blood accumulation under the skin. It also improves the appearance of visible blood vessels, such as spider veins, due to aging.

The review mentions one study that found applying 1% vitamin K cream twice daily helped to resolve bruising. Another found that 1% vitamin K and retinol had a similar effect.

Speak with a doctor before using topical vitamin K, retinol, or other pharmaceutical-grade skin care products. They can have side effects and are not suitable for everyone.

Aloe vera

Traditionally, people have used Aloe vera to treat many skin conditions. Some evidence suggests it may also be beneficial for bruising.

A small 2022 study of people about to undergo coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery found that applying aloe vera during recovery helped to improve wound healing, reducing bruising around the site of the operation in comparison to controls.

However, the study only involved 35 people and focused on healing open wounds rather than bruises alone. More research is necessary to determine if aloe vera works for other types of bruises.

When to see a doctor

Bruises are usually not serious, and most will go away on their own after around 2 weeks. However, frequent or unexplained bruising could indicate a medical problem. Symptoms to see a doctor about include:

• bruises that appear without an obvious injury
• bruising very easily
• bruises in strange places, such as the back or abdomen
• bruises that suddenly appear after taking a new medication or supplement

Certain medications and medical conditions can lead to an increase in bruising. However, a person should not stop taking a medication without first speaking with their doctor.

Contact a doctor right away if a person develops:

• a bruise on the leg, along with increasing swelling, pain, and warmth
• swelling and pain in the groin, thigh, or back of the knee
• signs of infection, such as fever, streaks leading away from the bruise, or pus drainage

»MORE:Get a skin condition evaluation in as little as 15 minutes with Optum Now Online Care.

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Takeaway

There is no instant cure for bruising. However, most bruises are not cause for concern. They will typically go away on their own within a couple of weeks.

Some home remedies may help to reduce their appearance and help them heal faster, such as ice, arnica, aloe vera, and pineapple juice.

Do not take oral supplements for bruising without talking with a healthcare professional first.

If bruising continues or does not get better, seek medical advice.

 

• Dermatology
• Primary Care
• Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

• Bruises. (2016).https://medlineplus.gov/bruises.html
• Desai J, et al. (2021). A review on novel topical formulations of vitamins.https://journals.lww.com/jrps/fulltext/2021/10020/a_review_on_novel_topical_formulations_of_vitamins.1.aspx
• Mahmood BJ. (2021). The effect of using pineapple fresh juice to improve post-surgical pain, ecchymosis and swelling in maxillofacial region.https://jcr.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jcr/article/view/375
• Majid OM, et al. (2014). Perioperative bromelain reduces pain and swelling and improves quality of life measures after mandibular third molar surgery: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.https://www.joms.org/article/S0278-2391(14)00093-7/fulltext
• Mohamad-Abadi NM, et al. (2022). The effect of aloe vera gel on saphenous vein harvest wound healing and local pain in non-diabetic patients undergoing CABG surgery: A clinical trial.https://brieflands.com/articles/semj-122766
• Mohammady M, et al. (2020). Effect of cold application on bruising and pain following heparin subcutaneous injection: A systematic review and meta-analysis.https://sigmapubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jnu.12598
• Raza A. (2021). Clinical efficacy of homeopathic remedy Arnica Montana: A systematic review.https://www.ijhcam.org/index.php/ijhcam/article/view/28

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Medically reviewed by Jenneh Rishe, RN — Written by Jennifer Berry — Updated on February 20, 2024

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