First Aid procedures: bruises

Bruises can be easily treated, although a casualty should seek medical help if the bruise is around their eyes.

What are they?

Bruises are the result of internal bleeding under the skin. The older you are, the more easily bruising occurs. Bruises normally fade within a few days and aren't usually dangerous. However we should remember that bruises are indicative of an underlying injury.

First aid aims

• Minimise swelling
• Reduce discomfort

Actions

• Raise affected limb, support it and make casualty comfortable
• Apply a cold compress - a small towel wrung out in cold water, a bag of ice cubes or a packet of frozen peas
• Keep compress on injured area for about 30 minutes, changing it periodically to keep it cold

Further actions

If the affected limb is an arm, it may help to put it in a sling.

Medical advice should be sought for a bruise around the eyes (particularly if vision is affected), or if you suspect a more serious cause for the bruising.

The British Red Cross last medically reviewed this article in December 2009.