What to do
- Apply ice bags to the superficial hematoma (cryotherapy). Repeat the packs at 15 minute intervals, for the first 2-3 days after the bruise
- Contact a doctor immediately, even if hematoma of the internal organs is suspected
- In case of presumed severe hematoma, undergo ultrasound / radiographs, diagnostic tests useful to highlight any complications and provide data on the severity of the bleeding
- Forced rest in case of complex hematoma
- Take plenty of fruit and vegetables rich in vitamins, with vasoprotective properties (especially vitamin C)
What NOT to do
- Hot water packs on the newly formed hematoma
- Apply the ice directly on the hematoma: it is recommended before wrapping it in a cloth to avoid cold burns
- Expose the skin affected by the hematoma to the sun
- Massage the injured area
Natural Cures and Remedies
- Arnica-based ointments ( Arnicamontana L) → anti-inflammatory action for topical use; antiechimatose, antirheumatic, analgesic properties
- Ointments formulated with horse chestnut ( Aesculus hippocastanum ) → anti-inflammatory and anti-edema action
- Creams / ointments / gels formulated with chamomile ( Matricaria camomilla L.) → anti-inflammatory, soothing properties
- Ointments formulated with calendula ( Calendula officinalis L.) → calming and soothing properties
- Hypericum- based creams ( Hypericum perforatum ) → anti-inflammatory and healing properties (also indicated in the case of hematoma associated with small skin lesions / abrasions). It also exerts vasoconstrictor properties, which favor the resorption of the hematoma
- Clay packs → anti-inflammatory
Pharmacological care
- Apply ointments with pain-relieving / anti-inflammatory action: Naproxen (eg Prexan), Ketoprofen (eg: Fastum gel, orudis)
- If necessary, take anti-inflammatories by mouth: for example ibuprofen (eg brufen, moment, nurofen), Promelase (eg Altan, Flaminase), Ketoprofen (eg flexen, Ketodol, oki)
- For the treatment of severe cranial hematomas associated with seizures, anticonvulsant therapy is recommended
- Take antibiotic medications in case of hematoma associated with infected wound
Prevention
- Wear specific protection before practicing "risky" sports (cycling, skiing, skating, snowboarding, etc.): helmet, padded knee pads, shin guards etc.
- Always wear seat belts when driving
- Small children must be placed on special child seats
Medical treatments
Check the coagulation capacity of the blood (especially in case of antithrombotic therapy, see INR prothrombin time): even a possible blood coagulation defect can favor the formation of hematomas- Nail puncture (for subungual hematomas): evacuation of the blood accumulated under the nail bed speeds up the reabsorption of the hematoma
- Surgical evacuative treatment: to remove a complex hematoma (eg cranial hematoma)
- Compression / elastic bandage: limits the swelling of the fabric
- Shockwave therapy: promotes the process of spontaneous tissue repair, therefore the reabsorption of the hematoma