Treatment and prevention In most cases, treatment for bruising is minimal. The body normally absorbs the leaked blood and the bruise will go away on its own, but it may take anywhere from a couple of weeks to several months for the marks to disappear on senior citizens.

What helps with bruising in elderly?

Apply a cold compress to the bruise for 20 minutes to reduce the blood flow to the area. This may reduce the size of the bruise and decrease inflammation. Elevate the bruised area if at all possible. Wrapping the area with a compression bandage can help decrease swelling.

How long is too long for a bruise to go away?

How Long Do Bruises Last? Bruises usually fade away in about 2 weeks. Over that time, the bruise changes color as the body breaks down and reabsorbs the blood.

Do bruises take longer to heal as you age?

Healing may take longer because of age. Easy bruising can be an indication of a more serious condition such as a blood disease or a clotting problem. You should consult a doctor if you notice unusually large or painful bruises that develop for no reason.

Do elderly bruise easily?

Share this article: As they age, seniors experience physical changes inside and out. Aging skin bruises easily, which can be sensitive and painful. Bruises, also called contusions, occur when trauma damages or ruptures tiny blood vessels beneath the skin.

What is the fastest way to heal a bruise at home?

The following treatments can be done at home:

1. Ice therapy. Apply ice immediately after the injury to reduce blood flow around the area.
2. Heat. You can apply heat to boost circulation and increase blood flow.
3. Compression. Wrap the bruised area in an elastic bandage.
4. Elevation.
5. Arnica.
6. Vitamin K cream.
7. Aloe vera.
8. Vitamin C.

What does it mean when your bruises don’t go away?

Bruises aren’t usually serious, and they often clear up without treatment. If you have a bruise that doesn’t go away after 2 weeks, you bruise for no apparent reason, or you have additional symptoms, see your doctor for diagnosis. The sooner you get treatment, the sooner you’ll start feeling better.

Can a bruise last for months?

Bruises can last from days to months and vary from mild to severe. Bone bruises are among the most serious and painful. They usually heal in a couple of months, although larger bone bruises may take longer.

How do you know if a bruise is serious?

See your doctor or visit State Urgent Care right away if you notice any of the following symptoms:

1. Abnormal bleeding in the gums, frequent nose bleeds or blood in the urine or stool.
2. Frequent very large, very painful bruises.
3. Numbness or weakness anywhere in the injured limb.
4. Swelling around the bruised skin.

How long do purple bruises take to heal?

In most cases, your bruise will be gone — or almost invisible — in about two weeks. In response to being struck, your skin will typically look pink or red. Within one or two days of your injury, the blood that has collected at the injury site turns a bluish or dark purple color.

What vitamin is lacking when you bruise easily?

Low on Vitamin C This essential vitamin helps make collagen, an important protein that keeps your blood vessels healthy. If you don’t get enough vitamin C in your diet, you may notice that you bruise easily.

Do bruises get worse as they heal?

Bruising takes on many colors as the body works to heal an injury. It is normal for a bruise to change color over time. A person can expect about four phases of colors to a bruise before it fades away. If a bruise does not fade, becomes worse, or other issues accompany it, a person should consult a doctor.

What causes purple spots on elderly skin?

Aging skin is thought to be the most common cause of senile purpura. As the body ages, the skin becomes thinner and more delicate. Over time, exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays weakens the connective tissues that hold the blood vessels in their place.

At what age are you considered elderly?

Some authors define the age from 65 to 74 as pre-old age, while those aged over 75 are considered old. Similarly, one study differentiates the young-old from 60 to 69, the middle old from 70 to 79, and very old 80 years of age and older.

Why do you bruise when you get older?

As you age, your skin gets thinner and loses the protective layer of fat that acts as a cushion when you bump into something. Also, your blood vessels get more fragile. Both of these things mean you get more bruises.