Bruise: First aid

A bruise forms when a blow breaks small blood vessels near your skin's surface, allowing a small amount of blood to leak out into the tissues under your skin. The trapped blood appears as a black-and-blue mark. Sometimes, there also are tiny red dots or red splotches.

If your skin isn't broken, you don't need a bandage. You can, however, enhance healing with these simple techniques:

• Elevate the injured area.
• Apply ice or a cold pack for 30 to 60 minutes at a time for a day or two after the injury.
• Consider acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) for pain relief.

See your doctor if:

• You have unusually large or painful bruises — particularly if your bruises seem to develop for no known reasons.
• You bruise easily and you're experiencing abnormal bleeding elsewhere, such as from your nose or gums, or you notice blood in your eyes, your stool or your urine.
• You have no history of bruising, but suddenly experience bruises.

These signs and symptoms may indicate a more serious problem, such as a blood-clotting problem or blood-related disease. Bruises accompanied by persistent pain or headache also may indicate a more serious underlying illness and require medical attention.