Other Names:
Contusions

Symptoms:
Although the skin is not broken, the underlying tissue is injured. The result is some pain and swelling, and perhaps black and blue marks.

Cause:
Contusions occur when the skin is injured, but the skin is not broken. Blood vessels have been ruptured, and thus have released blood into the surrounding tissue, including the skin.

Treatment:
•As soon as possible after an injury, place an ice pack on the bruised area and keep it there for 30 minutes. If done right away, this will keep it from swelling. Often the swelling does more damage than the bruise. Later apply a poultice of greens (fresh or dry), oatmeal, wheat bran, comfrey, or charcoal. Pulverize the charcoal, tie it in a cloth, wet it in warm water, and lay it over the bruise for several hours. Repeat until it is better.

Prevention:
• Strengthen the blood and vessels by eating a nourishing diet, rich in green leafy vegetables and fresh fruit. Buckwheat is also helpful; also vegetable juices containing carrot, celery, and beet.

• Take vitamin C, to bowel tolerance (be sure bioflavonoids are included), and vitamin E: 800-1,200 units daily. Go out in the sun and absorb some vitamin D. People with vitamin C deficiencies bruise more easily than do others, for their blood vessels are weaker. Also important is vitamin P (bioflavonoids).