about arnica

What is a bruise?

A bruise is essentially a blood clot, often caused by a blunt instrument, bump, knock or fall.  Bruises are not usually dangerous, the reason that they go a purple-like colour is because the capillaries in the area that has been knocked get damaged.  When these capillaries get damaged, blood seeps in to the tissue area around it- hence the purple coloured appearance of a bruise.

There are 5 stages to a bruise.  A fresh bruise is usually bluish purple, after a day or two it will turn blue. The bruise will turn brown to green then yellow and finally back to the normal skin colour as it heals.

What might bruise one person may not necessarily bruise another. It all depends on their tissue and whether the muscles are relaxed or taught underneath the skin.  Sometimes, bruising can be more serious and if you find that you keep getting bruises with no explanation as to how they happened, you should see your GP.