Our bodies are a very fragile and miraculous thing. It has no problem letting us know that sometimes is wrong. When we get hurt due to falling off a bike, car accident, or even getting a medical procedure done we sometimes show proof of the incident. That proof can come in many different ways but two forms, are a bruise or hematoma.
Hematoma
A hematoma is a collection of blood. It usually occurs due to an injury to the blood vessel which allows blood to leak through the tissue where it doesn’t belong. The damaged blood vessel can be a vein, capillary or artery. A hematoma is a form of internal bleeding but it either already clotted or forming clots. A hematoma usually don’t exhibit active bleeding.
There are different forms of a hematoma that are based on the location. The most talked about is usually a subdermal hematoma which occurs under the skin and aren’t life threatening. The flip side of that is a subdural hematoma which occurs outside of the brain. They are usually caused by a severe head injury and can be life threatening.
A hematoma can occur spontaneously or due to major/minor trauma. They can be created by a violent sneeze or a car accident. Either one can cause blood vessels to break and bleeding to occur. That is where the body steps in and activates clotting. A hematoma causes inflammation that leads to pain, swelling and redness.
Bruises
A bruise, also referred to as a contusion, is caused when a blunt force trauma breaks blood vessels near the skin’s surface. When the bruise first occurs it takes on a black and blue mark that as times heals, it changes colors. When bruising occurs it is best to start treatment right away. Apply an ice pack to the area and keep it elevated. Rest it if possible and take a pain killer to ease the swelling.
A bruise often times doesn’t require medical attention. However, if you find yourself bruising easily and frequently it is best to get it checked out by a medical professional. If there is pain for an extended period of time it is best to get that looked at as well. Bruises can be scored on a scale of 0-5 this lets us know the severity of the bruise. Starting at a level 3-4 on the scale, it is best to go check it out because it is dangerous. When it reaches a level of 5 you are at risk of death.
There are general factors that come into play that could modify the size and shape of a bruise. The condition and type of tissue affected and skin tone are factors. The age of the person matters because elderly skin is often times much thinner with less elasticity. The elderly are more prone to bruising. Gender also effects how bruising occurs because females have more subcutaneous fat. The types of medicines you take can also contribute to bruising. People taking certain prescription drugs like Warfarin and Prednisone can bruise easy because they weaken the blood vessels in the skin.
Hematomas and bruises are ugly business and could point to a bigger health issue. If unsure it is best to seek medical attention immediately. They both can lead to internal bleeding which can be life threatening.