Bruises (Echymosis) (blue or purple discoloration of the skin due to a release of blood into the tissue)
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Emergent Care - Have you identified one or more of the following symptoms?
- Sudden color changes to the limb associated with pain
- Fever of 100.4 F plus unexplained bruising
- Any generalized purple rash
| Yes |
No |
Seek Immediate Medical Attention!
These symptoms can be life-threatening. |
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| Bleeding into the skin causes a black and blue mark
Aging bruises become green and then yellow as they are reabsorbed
Children will frequently bump the area over the "shins" and forget about it
There is no risk of infection if the skin is not broken |
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Urgent Care - Have you identified one or more of the following symptoms?
- Color changes associated with unusual and/or unexplained bleeding
- Known history of blood disease (sickle cell, lupus, hemophilia), malignancy or immune deficiency
- Suspected abuse
- Decreased ability to normally move the affected limb
- Area of swelling which continues to expand
- Bruises are several in numbers and can not be explained
| Yes |
No |
Contact Your Health Care Provider. |
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Self-Management - You can help in the following ways:
- Rest and elevate area of involvement for 20-30 minutes
- Put ice to the affected area for the first 24-48 hours
- Give acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) as needed for pain, if no reasons to the contrary
- Apply a warm washcloth after 48 hours for 10 minutes, 2-3 times a day (helps to reabsorb the blood)
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