Bruise Color Change: Understanding the Stages of Healing

Stages of a Bruise

Immediately after an injury, the injured blood vessels leak blood into the surrounding tissue. This blood is bright red and may cause a red or purple bruise.

As the blood begins to clot, the hemoglobin in the blood breaks down and the bruise may turn a dark purple or blue.

Over the next few days, the body breaks down the clotted blood and the bruise begins to fade. As it fades, it may turn a green, yellow, or brown color.

Eventually, the bruise will disappear completely as the body reabsorbs the broken down blood.

The exact rate at which a bruise changes color varies from person to person. It may take a few days or even a few weeks for a bruise to fade completely.

Certain factors can affect how long a bruise takes to fade. These factors include:

* Age: Bruises tend to fade more quickly in younger people than in older people.

* Skin color: Bruises are more visible on lighter skin than on darker skin.

* The severity of the injury: A more severe injury will cause a larger and more severe bruise that may take longer to fade.

* The location of the injury: Bruises on the legs and feet tend to fade more slowly than bruises on other parts of the body.

* Certain medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as anemia and diabetes, can cause bruises to take longer to fade.

If you are concerned about a bruise that is not fading, you should talk to your doctor.