Cuts and Bruising Treatment Clinic Q&A

It can be difficult to assess the degree of the bruise, and their various levels of severity depending on how large the bruise is and where it occurred. While a less severe bruise can be treated at home with little to no medical assistance, more serious bruises may require a trip to see us at our urgent care facility.

A more painful bruise that puts you at risk of infection, a broken bone, or a deep bone bruise should be evaluated by a doctor. If there is any doubt whatsoever about the level of severity, be sure to allow us to diagnose and treat the bruise properly by coming into our urgent care. By doing so, you may ensure that the bruise poses no long-term health threats because of improper treatment.

A tendency to bruise easily can cause you to worry, as your skin can reveal many clues about your health. Doctors say most cases are nothing to worry about, even though finding frequent bruises can signal health problems.

When you experience an injury that doesn’t break the skin a bruise appears. Crushed small blood vessels underneath the skin can result in a tender area. Blood begins to leak and becomes trapped, leaving the telltale, discolored mark.

Here are some other potential causes of mild bruising:

● Blood thinners
● Other drugs (steroids)
● Vitamin deficiency
● Aging
● Cancer
● Liver disease
● Genetic factors

Remember to see your doctor if you have pain and swelling which could indicate a larger bleed under your skin or a bruise that lasts longer than two weeks without changing. Small spots accompanied by chills, weight loss, or fever are another sign that your body is telling you it’s time to consult a doctor.

Cuts and bruises are among some of the most common injuries. Whether you suddenly hear a sharp yell from the kitchen and you find your child has hurt themselves with the bread knife, or whether your friend bruises an ankle while you’re out running; it will give you peace of mind knowing that you can be sharp in those situations and ready to take action.

● If the wound doesn’t stop bleeding by itself, apply pressure with a clean bandage.
● Once the bleeding has stopped, allow clean running water to run over the wound to rinse off any dirt.
● If there is still some dirt or any object such as a piece of glass, for example, stuck in the wound, remove this carefully with sterilized tweezers.
● Carefully cut off any loose skin with medical scissors.
● If some bleeding still occurs, dab the wound with a gauze pad
● Apply disinfectant or antiseptic cream
● Cover the wound with a bandage or plaster, depending on the size of the cut.
● Use your discretion on when to change the bandage or plaster, usually at least once a day, or whenever the dressing gets wet or dirty.

Unfortunately, there’s not much to do about bruises except rest and give it time to heal. But to make the discomfort and pain a bit more bearable here’s what to do:

● Apply ice packs (covered in a thin towel) to the bruised area immediately to prevent blood flow to the affected area.

If you have recently sustained a cut or bruise, come to Fast Aid Urgent Care today! We have a team of professional and caring staff who have experience in treating abrasions and contusions, so you can rest assured you’re in good care! For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We serve patients from Bulverde Rd San Antonio TX, Windcrest TX, Selma TX, Bastrop TX, Paige TX, Smithville TX, Alamo Ranch San Antonio TX, Leon Valley TX, Helotes TX, La Grange TX, Rabbs Prairie TX, Halsted TX, Leon Springs TX, Fair Oaks Ranch TX, Cross Mountain TX, New Braunfels TX, Hunter TX, Zorn TX, Potranco Road San Antonio TX, Rio Medina TX, Rolling Oaks Estates TX, Dripping Springs, TX, Saddletree Ranch TX, and Belterra TX.