Rendering assistance with bruises

Assisting with bruises is a rule that everyone should know, because bruises are constant companions of our life, regardless of the degree of our caution. It is especially important to know the algorithm of the actions of rendering assistance with bruises to parents, because the child by virtue of its natural activity will inevitably encounter falls and, hence, bruises. Depending on the area of damage, the severity of injury, the rules of care may be different. However, there are uniform standards that help minimize damage from impacts.

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The standard of rendering assistance with bruises

• Ensure peace - the horizontal position of the body, immobilization of the limb and so on;
• Fixation - imposing a moderately tight bandage, bandaging with elastic material;
• Cold therapy - the first day the application of cold compresses, ice, cold items with periodic replacement to avoid heating (children cold apply for 15-20 minutes, no more, then take a break);
• Application of external anti-inflammatory drugs within a week, starting from the second day after the injury (you can not use ointment if the skin is damaged). As ointments, everything that contains diclofenac, ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory ingredients is suitable;
• Thermal procedures are possible, starting from the second day after the injury. Apply dry warming dressings, possibly alcohol (no more than 30 minutes);
• Dissolving drugs are used in conjunction with thermal procedures, alternating them. As preparations suitable ointments containing heparin, extract of leeches, chestnut extract, arnica and ta further;

At the slightest alarming symptoms (dizziness, nausea, severe, swelling, persistent pain during the day), you should consult your doctor.

The main task, which is solved by rendering assistance with bruises, is the reduction of pain symptoms, localization of edema and elimination of more serious injuries. In order to learn how to differentiate bruises, dislocations and fractures, you should remember the elementary signs that help to distinguish them from each other.

A bruise is a minor injury, which involves the preservation of the skin or a mild disorder (abrasions, scratches). In case of injury, the upper layer of the epidermis is not damaged, taking a primary impact on itself, but the internal, deep layers of the skin, which are more friable, porous structures, are damaged, the integrity of capillaries and small vessels is disturbed. There is a small, localized hemorrhage into the subcutaneous adipose tissue where exudate accumulates, a small lymphatic edema develops. Light bruises and this is limited in contrast to the heavier ones, which can threaten the ruptures of internal tissues and organs. The bruise of the head is fraught with complications, and the bruises of the neck and spine are also dangerous.

You should also learn how to differentiate bruises from fractures. Fractures differ much more intense pain, in addition, the damaged area loses its properties (motor). So, with a foot injury, there may be pain and swelling, but it retains the ability to flex, a person can move. With a fracture it is impossible, and the edema develops much faster. Fracture of the limbs, in contrast to bruises, is accompanied by visual deformity, atypical position of the joints.

More threatening injuries, such as a fracture of the base of the skull, are accompanied by loss of consciousness, cyanosis (blue skin of the face), a typical symptom is the "glasses syndrome" when bruises appear around the eyes. Injuries of the spine often begin with bruises, and the pain shock sometimes does not allow the instantaneous diagnosis of a fracture. Therefore, the main rules that exclude the risk of errors and additional trauma are:

• Rest, immobilization of the damaged part of the body;
• After the implementation of the rules, which assume assistance with bruises, careful observation of the patient during the first day;
• At the slightest doubt and alarming signs, it is necessary to apply to a medical institution.

In clinical trauma practice, either the first hours in case of severe trauma, or the first day in situations involving damage of moderate severity, are decisive.

You should also consult your doctor if:

• There was no bruise, but there was a bruise or bruises;
• A phalanx of the finger, a fingernail has undergone a bruise, but there is no bruise or bruise;
• Symptoms of bruising do not go away within 10-14 days (swelling and painful sensations persist);
• After a bruise later, time develops an extensive hematoma with clear contours

Assisting with bruises is a fairly simple procedure that should not just be known, but also applied in practice. Such skills are necessary to help oneself, they also help other victims in extreme situations.