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Ointment for bruises: what is the best to choose?

 
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 07.07.2025
 
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Bruise ointment should have the ability to dissolve and utilize blood accumulated in the subcutaneous tissue as a result of a bruise. It is more correct to call a bruise a hematoma, which is an edema or swelling with blood clots under the skin. Hemorrhage is formed as a result of a bruise, and depending on its strength, the hematoma can be limited by the walls of the cavity or spread further to nearby tissues. A hematoma can also develop due to a burst vessel inside, which, due to pathological changes, loses the elasticity of its walls. A bruise can be localized in the skin (in the upper layers of the epidermis), in the middle and lower layers of the skin, under the periosteum - periosteum, and also in muscles. Blood from burst capillaries and vessels does not remain in a liquid state for long, it begins to clot almost immediately.

The tissues become inflamed, and a connective tissue sheath forms around them. If the bruise is weak, it is more correct to call the bruise a bruise, if the bruise is moderate or strong, the injury is called a hematoma. Head bruises are considered the most serious, as well as a hematoma in this part of the body. Before you find out what an ointment for bruises is, you should know the following information:

  • A typical bruise is formed as a result of damage to capillaries or small vessels;
  • The severity and extent of the hematoma depends on the condition of the skin, the circulatory system and the medications that the person is taking;
  • Individual small bruises will go away on their own over time;
  • hematomas that appear on their own, without bruises, are associated with internal diseases and require comprehensive diagnostics.

This information is needed to choose an ointment for bruises more correctly and accurately. A remedy for bruises and hematomas should have the property of activating microcirculation, accelerating lymphatic drainage, resolving bruises, relieving inflammation and reducing pain. There are many such products today, the pharmaceutical industry produces a huge range of ointments, gels and solutions that have all the listed properties. In addition, it is desirable that the ointment for bruises contain vitamins C and K.

Vitamin C or ascorbic acid helps to synthesize collagen, and therefore connective fibroblasts, which restore the intercellular tissue generated by the bruise. Vitamin C also accelerates the regeneration of all layers of the epidermis.

Vitamin K or menadione is called the coagulation vitamin because it normalizes the blood clotting process. By penetrating the lower layers of the epidermis, vitamin K activates the breakdown and removal of blood clots.

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Heparin-based ointment for bruises

Bruise ointment or gel based on heparin is considered one of the best. Heparin is a glycosaminoglycan that has an anticoagulant property. Penetrating through the skin into its deep layers and into the blood vessels, it slows down the process of coagulation and thrombus formation in the blood, that is, it tries to maintain the blood flow in a normal liquid state. Bruise ointment containing heparin promotes the fastest resorption of hematomas and the elimination of swelling. The composition of the classic heparin ointment also includes benzocaine, which has a mild anesthetic effect, nicotine, which dilates capillaries and blood vessels for more active removal of blood clots. In addition, thanks to nicotine, the useful components of the ointment are absorbed faster, absorbed and delivered by the bloodstream to the site of injury. Bruise ointment based on heparin should not be applied to injured skin with abrasions or open wounds. Also, you should not use heparin-based ointment for bruises if a person takes anticoagulants due to the underlying disease (aspecard, cardioaspirin). When applying heparin ointment, a burning or hot sensation may appear, this is a typical sign of the action of nicotinic acid, which begins to dilate blood vessels. The course of treatment with heparin ointment or gel depends on the location and size of the bruise, but should not exceed three weeks. If after this period the hematoma does not go away, you should seek help from a doctor to find out the true causes of blood retention under the skin layer.

Bruise ointment containing Badiaga

Bruise ointment may also contain badyaga. Badyaga is a coelenterate sponge that grows in freshwater environments, in lakes and rivers, mainly on rocky bottoms. Depending on what algae the badyaga feeds on, its color changes - from brown to yellow. The extract of the active components of badyaga improves blood supply in the upper layers of the skin, has an anesthetic property, and also promotes the rapid absorption of bruises and extensive hematomas. When the medicinal substances of badyaga penetrate the subcutaneous tissue, the release of histamine and prostaglandin, kinin is activated. This promotes the absorption of seals under the skin, healing, regeneration. Badyaga itself also demonstrates amazing properties to restore damaged areas. An experiment was conducted: badyaga was rubbed through a fine sieve and after a while its smallest particles began to unite into groups, and then into independent small sponges. This self-healing ability in badyaga is provided by the high content of phosphate, carbonic salts and organic protein substances. It is necessary to pay attention to the allergenicity of products containing badyaga. Therefore, before applying them to the damaged area, it is worth testing the ointment for bruises on an undamaged area of the body. A slight tingling and burning is a normal sign of the onset of the ointment's action, however, badyaga cannot be applied to mucous membranes and skin with wounds and scratches.

Bruise ointment may also contain rutin. Rutin is vitamin P, which increases vascular permeability and enhances the effect of ascorbic acid. Rutin is also a flavonoid - a biologically active, oxygen-containing, anti-sclerotic substance, which on the one hand increases the elasticity and conductivity of the vascular wall, on the other hand, strengthens it. One of the most popular and effective is the bruise ointment Troxevasin and Troxerutin. Rutin-containing products significantly reduce swelling and pain. This is a good angioprotective drug that can be used for a month.

Bruise ointment containing indomethacin, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory substance based on acetic acid, can relieve inflammation. Ointments containing indomethacin relieve swelling, pain, and redness (erythema), and improve blood microcirculation.

Bruise ointment can be changed depending on the dynamics of hematoma resorption. It is important to remember that after two to three weeks the bruise should decrease, if this does not happen, you need to visit a doctor to clarify the cause and prescribe more effective treatment.

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