RV TRAVEL FIRST AID FOR BRUISES

A bruise occurs when small blood vessels break and leak their contents into the soft tissue beneath the skin. Bruises are often caused by falls, sports injuries, car accidents, or blows received by other people or objects.

SIGNS:
Pain, swelling, and skin discoloration. The bruise begins as a pinkish, red color that can be very tender to touch. It is often difficult to use the muscle that has been bruised. Eventually, the bruise changes to a bluish color, then greenish-yellow, and finally returns to the normal skin color as it heals.

FIRST AID:
Place ice on the bruise to help it heal faster and to reduce swelling.
Place the ice in a cloth - DO NOT place ice directly on the skin.
Keep the ice on the bruise for about 15 minutes per hour for the first two to three days. Keep the bruised area raised above the heart, if practical.
This helps keep blood from pooling in the bruised tissue.
Try to rest the bruised body part by not overworking your muscles in that area.
If needed, you can use acetaminophen (Tylenol) to help reduce the pain from the bruise.

DO NOT attempt to drain the bruise with a needle.
DO NOT continue running, playing, or otherwise using the painful, bruised part of your body.
DO NOT ignore the pain or swelling.

SEEK CARE IF:
You are bruising spontaneously without any injury, fall, or other reason.
There are signs of infection around the bruised area including streaks of redness, pus or other drainage, or fever.

CALL IMMEDIATELY FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL ASSISTANCE IF:
You feel extreme pressure in a bruised part or your body, especially if the area is large or very painful. This may be due to a condition known as "compartment syndrome." Increased pressure on the soft tissues and structures beneath the skin can decrease the supply of vital blood and oxygen to the tissues. This is potentially life-threatening and you should receive emergency care promptly.