Bruise:
A bruise is a region of injured blood vessels or capillaries. Also known as a contusion, a bruise occurs when there is a trauma to the soft tissues. This trauma can be the result of an injury causing the breakage of capillaries. This leads to blood leaking out. The skin on the site of the bruise turns reddish and purple due to the hemorrhage of the capillaries into the surrounding tissues. Bruises are a type of hematoma (See: Hematoma) of the small veins and the capillaries. Bruises which do not turn white when pressure is applied might be deeper than the skin involving the subcutaneous tissue, and the muscle. Bruises are a result of internal bleeding that are most likely caused due to blunt injuries that cause pain. In some cases though it might indicate the presence of an underlying disorder of coagulation or platelets. Bruises are generally treated with anti-inflammatory medications, ice, topical creams, and elevation of the bruised area. People with diabetes are more prone to have wounds and bruises due to changes in their skin and are prone to a condition called diabetic dermopathy. Moreover, these bruises take a long time to heal due to a compromised immune system along with an increased risk of infection.
