health

Remedies Hematomas

Hematoma is defined as any collection of blood located outside the bloodstream. Following trauma, bruising or pathological changes in coagulation, the blood can escape from the bloodstream, accumulate in tissues or organs, and create a hematoma. The severity of the hematoma depends on the location, on the intensity of the trauma suffered, on the type of injured blood vessel and on the efficiency of blood coagulation capacity.

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