Why does a hematoma form after a blow?

Typically, the presence of a hematoma is associated with trauma, although you do not always remember having hit or taken a blow.

Sometimes a sudden movement, a loss of balance or a fall is enough, perhaps while practicing some sport. There are many occasions in which it is possible to cause trauma with the consequent appearance of a hematoma, or a collection of blood inside an organ or tissue that, without causing injury to the skin, has damaged a blood vessel of a certain caliber.

What comes from and how a hematoma disappears

Typically, such blood collection is due to a direct trauma of some importance. The location and size depend on the type and extent of the cause that caused it, the diameter of the damaged vessel and the characteristics of the tissue in which the hematoma formed.

Most often, a hematoma of a certain importance causes an annoying sense of tension and mild pain, which increases if you move the affected part, while more rarely it is manifested by acute pain.

The blood present in the soft tissues of the skin is then slowly reabsorbed and partly incorporated by macrophages, the so-called “scavengers” of the human body.

The change in color of the hematoma (from dark purple to blue, from green to yellow) is due to the degradation of hemoglobin, a substance present in red blood cells.

How to behave

Fortunately, the problem usually resolves itself within a few days and without consequences. But what can be done to speed up healing?

To delimit the extent of the hematoma or prevent its appearance, reduce pain and swelling it is useful to apply ice on the painful part. The cold causes a reduction in the diameter of the capillaries and limits the leakage of blood. Alternatively, a bandage wet with cold water in which a little salt has been dissolved is also sufficient.

The compresses must be carried out for half a day, having the foresight to repeat them for 10-20 minutes every hour. Once the compress is removed, a bandage with compression bandages may be useful to help keep the affected part immobilized, being careful not to tighten too much and not to block blood circulation.

The remedies

In case of hematoma it may be appropriate to resort to some preparations containing natural substances, in order to act on different fronts: inflammation, pain and resorption of the hematoma. Among the most suitable are escin, bromelain and arnica.

Escin is extracted from horse chestnut and promotes the reabsorption of liquids, reducing swelling.

Bromelain counteracts the extent of the hematoma, breaking down blood clots.

Arnica, on the other hand, exerts both anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving activity, as well as stimulating blood circulation; It therefore reduces pain quickly and promotes the resorption of hematomas and the disappearance of swelling.

Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.

The blog covers a wide range of topics related to health and wellness, with articles organized into several categories.

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