Serious non-serious injury: how to help with bruises

Home / About painful problems / Serious non-serious injury: how to help with bruises

Injuries

Perhaps bruises are one of the most common types of household or sports injuries. Sometimes all it takes is a minor bump and bump, a fall, a bump or a blow to cause painful bruising and swelling on an arm or leg. And although a bruise is not considered a serious injury in everyday life, it can cause significant inconvenience and have quite serious consequences for health. This is why it is so important to know what needs to be done in the first hours after an injury.

article 1

What is a bruise

Bruise is the most common type of household injury, typical for children, athletes and people engaged in heavy physical labor. It represents damage to internal organs and tissues without significant disruption of their structure, and abrasions may occur. In case of bruises, the dermis and the vessels located under it are most vulnerable, which leads to the formation of hematomas and edema. A severe bruise poses a serious danger as internal organs may be injured.

To prevent the development of necrotic processes, it is important to be able to competently provide first aid for bruises of various origins.

Signs of bruise

The main signs of a bruise are:

• pain in the damaged area;
• hemorrhage due to damage to capillary vessels;
• formation of hematoma and edema.

Depending on the location of the injury, cyanosis and swelling may appear immediately, as occurs in the case of damage to the subcutaneous tissue and upper layers of the skin. In the case of bruises of deeper tissues, a hematoma may appear after several hours or even days. The swelling accompanying the bruise reduces the mobility of the injured organ, creating discomfort when moving.

The victim experiences the most severe pain immediately after a soft tissue injury, and after a couple of hours it subsides. When pressed, the pain increases. Swelling may increase over several hours, sometimes days.

Degrees of injury

Bruises vary in severity:

• the first is a mild injury that does not require treatment;
• the second is a bruise of muscle tissue, accompanied by severe pain, the formation of edema and bruises;
• third, tendons may be damaged as a result of a bruise;
• fourth - bruise of internal organs with severe swelling and pain.

A severe bruise may be accompanied by a closed fracture, so in this case it is especially important to immediately consult a doctor for a thorough diagnosis and treatment.

Pathogenesis

When a muscle is bruised, damage to the muscle fibers is noted and the tendon may be stretched. Damage to muscles and tendons due to bruises is accompanied by pain and limits people’s activity. Pain syndrome is an adaptive mechanism that develops after tissue damage. Pathogenetically, the appearance of pain is associated with irritation of peripheral nociceptive receptors. At the site of a traumatic lesion, substances are produced that accompany pain and swelling ( serotonin , prostaglandins , histamine , bradykinin and others).

The use of folk remedies

Competent first aid for a bruise, provided in a timely manner, significantly alleviates the condition of the victim, speeds up the healing process, and reduces the risk of possible complications.

In case of a bruise, it is advisable to apply cold to the injured area, for example a bag of frozen vegetables from the freezer, wrapped in a clean cloth. Ice can be kept for up to 40 minutes, preventing hypothermia, then take a break for 20 minutes. Repeat several times over 4-5 hours. This event helps relieve swelling and prevents the inflammatory process from developing. If the victim has severe pain, you can give him a painkiller.

It is not recommended to resort to folk remedies such as raw potatoes, oil dressing and others. If the bruise is accompanied by abrasions and scratches, which is often found in children, then in this case there is a high probability of infection.

has developed special products that can be used as first aid for bruises.

First, you should treat your hands with the antiseptic “Sterillum”. After this, you need to clean the area around the abrasion or the bruise. For a small abrasion, you can apply a bandage with Branolind N Peruvian balm and leave it in place for up to three days without dressing.

For better fixation of the bandage, use the Peha-Haft self-fixing bandage. It is securely attached by simply pressing one layer to another, does not stick to hair or skin, is economical (1.5–2 turns are enough for reliable fastening), and is available in different colors.

For bruises and abrasions, you can use Cosmopor Antibacterial adhesive bandages. The soft pad absorbs discharge from the abrasion well, and the silver-containing layer reliably protects the bruise site from infection. Cosmos Kids patches with different designs are produced for children.

Special patches from the Omni series have been developed for people with sensitive skin. Their adhesive surface is made of rubber glue, and the patch itself is made of non-woven hypoallergenic material or rayon.

In case of a bruise with a sprain, use a Putterbint cotton compression bandage to improve blood circulation and relieve swelling.

First aid for bruises

To speed up the resorption of the hematoma, you will need a bandage with a special ointment. The therapeutic compress is fixed with a special bandage. Manufacturers produce dressings that are economical and easy to use. Self-fixing bandages have a number of advantages:

• crepe weaving and micro-dot impregnation with a special adhesive composition ensure precise and reliable fixation of the bandage;
• the initially high cost is compensated by economical consumption - two turns of the bandage are enough to fix;
• 85% stretchability ensures freedom of movement and prevents the bandage from slipping;
• aesthetics. The special bandage is available in different colors; there is no fringe around the edge.

If the bruise is accompanied by capillary bleeding, the procedure includes antiseptic treatment and application of a bandage. The modern approach is to use an atraumatic ointment bandage as first aid for bruises. The sequence of actions is as follows: initially, the wound must be treated with an antiseptic and dried. Then apply an atraumatic bandage, which has a number of advantages:

• good air exchange due to the cellular structure;
• antiseptic impregnation that accelerates healing;
• hydrophobic base with ointment, so the bandage does not stick to the wound surface and relieves pain;
• the ointment dressing lasts for 3 days, which reduces the number of dressings;
• Possibility of use for the treatment of children.

If the bruise is accompanied by abrasions, this is fraught with tissue infection and inflammation. Even small damage must be treated with an antiseptic. To do this, you can use an ointment antibacterial bandage. The advantages of this dressing material:

• impregnation acts on gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria;
• the edges of the wound are protected and retain elasticity;
• dressing can be done once a week.

Providing first aid for bruises of various locations

Hands

First aid for bruised arms or legs involves applying a tight bandage. Sometimes, when a limb is bruised, joint mobility may be limited. In this case, cold is applied, a bandage is applied and bed rest is provided.

Legs

First aid for foot bruises should include the use of a cold compress or ice and fixation with an elastic bandage. Bandaging must be carried out evenly and tightly, but without interfering with blood circulation. If the pain is very severe, you can take pain medication. The use of cold compresses is recommended on the first day, after which you can move on to warm baths or wraps to reduce pain and speed up the resorption of the lesion. To disinfect abrasions and scratches, it is necessary to treat with chlorhexidine and apply a sterile bandage.

Eyes

In case of eye injuries, the following measures should be taken:

• Apply cold briefly (about 20 minutes) by soaking a handkerchief or cotton wool in water;
• provide the patient with complete rest, do not strain the affected eye, do not turn the head;
• bandage the eye with a sterile bandage;
• Seek help from a qualified ophthalmologist.

Head

As a result of a head injury, a complication can develop - a concussion. Its main symptoms are severe headache, muscle weakness, nausea and dizziness. In this condition, bed rest and urgent medical attention are necessary.

Joints

If a joint in the elbow, ankle or knee is injured, it is worth applying ice to the affected area, fixing the joint in an elevated position and limiting its mobility with a pressure bandage. You cannot perform flexion-extension movements, massage the bruise site, or carry out warming measures.

First aid for severe bruises is carried out in the same way as for minor injuries: apply local exposure to cold, apply a tight bandage at the site of injury and ensure rest. After these procedures, it is advisable to take the victim to a medical facility to receive first aid for bruises.

First aid for bruises includes diagnosis and treatment of the victim, preventative measures and medical rehabilitation, which is carried out by qualified medical personnel.

An important condition for the treatment of injuries is the timely use of measures that will reduce local manifestations (swelling, pain, inflammation). Next, depending on the injury and well-being, the patient is prescribed medication with the following prescription:

• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - to relieve fever, pain, swelling, inflammation;
• medicines containing heparin - for resorption of bruises;
• vasodilating ointments;
• pain relievers in the form of capsules or tablets - for severe injuries in the first days of receiving them;
• enzyme medications - to resolve hemorrhagic infiltrate, reduce swelling, restore joint function.

In case of skin detachments, multiple injuries, joint injuries, internal injuries, it is important to immediately transport the victim to the nearest medical facility, and in the absence of spontaneous breathing and cardiac activity, perform artificial ventilation and chest compressions with immediate call for an ambulance team.

List of sources

• Nasonov E. L. Analgesic effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in diseases of the musculoskeletal system: balance of effectiveness and safety // Consilium Medicum. – 2001.- No. 7.
• Tlemisov A.S., Bulegenov T.A., Dauletyarova M.A. Injuries in the elderly / Problems of social hygiene, health care and history of medicine. - 2015. - 54-56 p.
• Levenets V.M., Linko Ya.V. Sports traumatology. - Kyiv. Olympic literature, 2008. – 215 p.
• Sports injuries. Clinical practice of prevention and treatment. - Kyiv. Olympic literature. - 2003. - 472 p.
• Silin L. L., Brovkin S. V. The use of gels in the complex treatment of closed soft tissue injuries. — Medical assistance, No. 2. 2001.

Correctly treating children's injuries

Children are often injured due to high activity. Roller skating, cycling and swinging, even simple outdoor games are accompanied by falls and, as a result, injuries, sprains, hematomas and abrasions. To provide first aid for a bruise, it is advisable to keep several proven means and dressings in your first aid kit.

Minor injuries bother you for a few minutes, and then the child continues to actively have fun. To ensure that infection in an abrasion on a bruised knee or elbow does not cause inflammation, proper treatment is required. A special self-fixing bandage will protect the damage from additional mechanical impact and penetration of pathogens.

If the bruise is accompanied by an abrasion, an antibacterial sterile adhesive bandage or a bright patch with pictures will do. The central section of the bandage and plaster is impregnated with special compounds that promote rapid healing and absorption of oozing fluid from the wound surface.

For very painful bruises, first aid is provided with a hydrocolloid patch. It will relieve pain and promote wound healing by creating an optimal environment. The material absorbs discharge from a bruised wound and protects against infections. After dressing, you can go to a medical facility.

Prevention

• Compliance with safety regulations. This applies to production and sports.
• Wearing comfortable shoes at any time of the year, and especially in winter. Shoes with high heels and narrow toes are unstable and, with the slightest lack of coordination, become the cause of falls and injuries. The sole must be non-slip.
• In winter, avoid uncleared sidewalks and icy paths. In icy conditions, elderly people and pregnant women need to go outside with an escort.
• Walk slowly, in short steps, slightly bending your legs at the knee joints and fully resting on your entire foot. In this position there is less risk of slipping and falling. The faster you go, the greater the risk of falling and getting injured.
• Avoid drinking alcohol, as being intoxicated increases the risk of serious injury several times.
• If a fall does occur, you need to regroup in time.

General recommendations for filling a first aid kit

In order for first aid for a severe bruise to be effective, you need to have several effective medical devices and tools on hand. The first step is to quickly get rid of swelling and normalize the flow of blood and lymph. For this purpose, there are compression elastic bandages that do not cause skin irritation. Manufacturers produce products with a cooling effect. This option is much safer than applying ice, since it does not cause frostbite to the tissue and at the same time provides cooling of the bruised area for 2 hours.

In addition to an elastic bandage, it is advisable to have in your first aid kit:

• antiseptic liquid or spray;
• hemostatic agent;
• ointments for bruises and sprains;
• atraumatic ointment dressings;
• sterile gauze or self-adhesive dressings;
• self-fixing bandage.

This list is especially relevant for families with children, since children are often injured. Proper use of special tools will reduce pain and speed up recovery. If the bruise is accompanied by a serious hematoma, deep wound and dangerous injuries, you should immediately consult a doctor. You can handle minor abrasions and bruises on your own.

Classification

Soft tissue injuries are:

• Closed.
• Open.

Open soft injuries are especially dangerous because there is a possibility of infection. However, closed soft tissue injuries in some cases can cause serious complications if medical assistance is not provided in a timely manner.

Closed soft tissue injuries include:

• Bruises. They occur when struck by a blunt object and are accompanied by pain and bruising.
• Sprains. They arise under the influence of two forces acting in different directions.
• Squeezing. It develops when there is prolonged pressure from an object on any area of ​​the body.
• Shake. Occurs with a strong impact.
• Break. With this injury, the muscle fibers and ligaments, unable to withstand excessive impact, are torn.

According to the degree of damage, they are distinguished:

• Superficial bruise (skin and subcutaneous tissue are damaged).
• Deep (damage to deep-lying formations - muscles and fascia, and an extensive hematoma always forms).

The degree of damage from bruises depends on the force of the impact, as well as the area of ​​the injured surface. Of course, the localization of the bruised area is important for assessing the severity and prognosis - a finger injury, for example, is not dangerous compared to a bruise of the head or abdominal cavity, when a concussion and internal bleeding are possible.