What color is a healing bruise?

Many Colors As you heal, an iron-rich substance in your blood -- called hemoglobin -- breaks down into other compounds. This process makes your bruise change colors: Its usually red right after the injury. Within a day or two, it turns purplish or black and blue.

What is best to put on a bruise?

Apply ice immediately after the injury. Apply heat to bruises that have already formed to clear up the trapped blood. Compression, elevation, and a bruise-healing diet can also help speed up the healing process.

What is the difference between a bruise and a hematoma?

A bruise, also known as a contusion, typically appears on the skin after trauma such as a blow to the body. It occurs when the small veins and capillaries under the skin break. A hematoma is a collection (or pooling) of blood outside the blood vessel.