What is a bruise?

A bruise is a dark spot that can happen after you bump into something. When you get hurt, tiny blood vessels under your skin can break. Some blood leaks out and sits under the skin. That makes the skin look blue, purple, or black at first.

How a bruise happens - step by step

1. You bump or get hit.
2. Tiny blood vessels under the skin break a little.
3. Blood leaks out and makes a dark spot.
4. Your body cleans it up, and the spot slowly changes color and goes away.

Why the colors change

The bruise starts dark (blue or purple). After a few days it can look green or yellow. That is your body breaking down and cleaning the blood. After about 1 to 2 weeks the bruise usually fades away.

How to help a bruise

• Tell a grown-up right away.
• Put a cold pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel on the spot for 10 to 15 minutes. This helps at the very start.
• Keep the area clean. If the skin is not broken, just leave it alone.
• Try not to bump it again and rest the area if it hurts.

When to tell a doctor

Ask an adult to call the doctor if:

• The bruise is very big or very painful.
• It keeps bleeding or the skin is cut and dirty.
• You get lots of bruises for no reason.
• The area becomes red, warm, or has a fever (that could mean infection).

Remember: bruises are common and usually get better by themselves. If you are worried, always tell a grown-up — they can help and make you feel better.