HealthInfo Waitaha Canterbury
A bruise is a collection of blood under the skin, which happens because of a soft tissue injury. A bruise is often accompanied by a lump, which is swelling caused by fluid under the skin.
People often get bruises after a knock or bang, strain or sprain. But bruising can also happen because of more serious injuries such a broken bone or internal bleeding.
A bruise may not appear straight away, but the area can be painful or tender and it may be swollen.
Bruises might be blue or purplish in colour. As they heal, they often become yellowish green in colour.
Some bruises can be more serious. Seek medical help if:
The bruised person may have an underlying problem that needs medical treatment if they:
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
More information about treating soft tissue injuries
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed December 2022.
Review key: HIFAD-141030