MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Bruise treatment

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Bruise treatment

Ice should be applied immediately to an area that is injured to reduce swelling and diminish the black-and-blue discoloration of bruising. Ice packs may be alternated with a heat pack for the next 48 hours. Although bruising may be reduced by this method, some discoloration will still be visible.

Update Date: 7/18/2007

Updated by: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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