All of us have had the experience of getting a bruise. It’s an unpleasant surprise that hurts and even leaves you feeling embarrassed and ashamed. But something else has always startled many people: an itchy rash that appears on the spot where the bruise develops. It’s a sensation and a feeling that no one seems to be able to explain, including doctors who never seemed to have heard of this phenomenon before. So, it leaves people wondering, why do bruises itch? This article will explain why bruises itch, some common causes and effects, and ways to stop bruises from itching.
What is a Bruise?
A bruise is a wound that occurs when the skin compresses from an external force. A bruise is visible as a patch of discolored skin, bruised tissue (often red or purple), and bleeding (or bleeding may be present below the surface). When bruising occurs, blood vessels usually dilate and break under compression. These ruptured blood vessels allow blood to escape into the tissues underneath them. As healing occurs, the discolored area begins healing and soon wears off. When bruising occurs, it may take several weeks to heal by itself. So, if you have a bruise on your knee, for example, it will be visible as a red spot on your knee in the place of the injury.
Why do bruises itch?
There are several reasons why bruises may itch as they heal. Here are a few of the most popular reasons why they may itch.
1. Infections
Bruises can develop into an infection and become infected by bacteria that already exist in the body and want to spread to other parts of the body by traveling through blood flow. The skin around a bruise will often appear red, inflamed, hot, and tender to the touch. It is possible to have an infection that may not be visible on the skin’s surface, but you can feel the area where the bruise develops itching.
2. Inflammation
Bruises are the body’s response to injury. The area that is injured will swell up and release chemicals into the body so that it can heal itself. It is how parts of your body heal themselves that cause itching and other symptoms such as pain and soreness. For example, when a structural bone is broken, it releases chemicals into the bloodstream to get back to healing. This can also happen with muscles and tissues. The substance that makes up your skin, fat, and muscles is collagen. The substance holds everything together in your body and keeps it all functioning. This process can cause inflammation, which can lead to itchiness.
3. Nerve stimulation
Bruises are a classic example of nerve stimulation. This leads to itching because different parts of the skin contain nerves. When an injury occurs to these nerves, they release chemicals such as histamine and serotonin, which cause an allergic reaction such as itchiness and a rash.
4. Hormonal changes
After an injury, the body produces several hormones that cause allergic reactions. The most common in this category is known as cortisol which causes swelling and a scratchy rash to develop. In addition, allergic reaction triggers numerous other hormones to cause an allergic reaction to certain types of bacteria or an infection, including histamine and adrenaline.
5. Scar tissue formation
When a body part is broken, the body will produce two types of cells to repair it in two different ways. The first type makes scars that are permanent but heal very poorly. The other type of cell does not form scars and is called a fibroblast. The fibroblasts help the wound heal faster, but they also cause a scratchy and often itchy rash that causes any open wound to itch, such as a bruise.
6. Pilar cysts
Itchiness can also result from non-cancerous growths, usually located in the upper layer of the skin, called pilar cysts. This type of cyst is located around hair follicles, which is why they occasionally cause a rash and itchiness in certain areas of your body.
7. Dry Skin
It’s not uncommon for the skin around a bruise to become dry and flaky as it heals. This dryness can lead to itching.
8. Allergic reactions
A bruise can also lead to an allergic reaction to the blood released in an injury. The immune system recognizes this as foreign and produces antibodies to attack it. This allergic reaction causes itching, inflammation, and swelling in the area of the injury.
9. Age
Older people are more likely to experience more itchiness from bruises due to dry skin, allergies, and other skin issues.
10. Histamine
In some cases, a bruise can cause an allergic reaction while still being visible. Histamine is a natural molecule that causes inflammation and itching around areas where allergy occurs. Itchy skin around bruises may also be caused by an allergic reaction to the chemicals in your blood as it heals.
11. Bilirubin
Bruises can also cause itching due to bilirubin. It is a chemical that is released when red blood cells break down. It is a natural process in the body, but it can cause itchiness and rashes in areas where bruises are located.
12. Enhanced Circulation to the Damaged Area
As a bruise heals, the blood supply to the area increases to heal it faster. This may cause itching around your bruise because blood flow is distributed more evenly, similar to high blood pressure at the injury site.
How to treat bruises that itch?
If your bruises are itching, there are several things you can try to alleviate the discomfort. Here are several easy ways to care for bruises that itch:
1. Moisturize the area and apply lotions
Dry skin causes itching; moisturizing is one of the easiest ways to fix this. Moisturizers will help hydrate skin by locking in moisture. By using a moisturizer, you will be able to keep your skin moist and itchy-free. Before you soak in a bath, try applying a lotion or cream around the affected area and let it soak in before putting water on it.
2. Avoid itching triggers
When applied to the skin, ingredients in different products can cause allergic reactions. Be careful of what you put on your skin so you do not trigger an allergic reaction. Use caution with aftershave, makeup, and sunscreens. Aftershave has a high concentration of alcohol which can cause itching. For the same reason, avoid using it after shaving and applying a moisturizer. When applying makeup, use cotton pads or clean hands to spread the makeup because rubbing it on your skin can also cause allergic reactions. Try limiting the number of perfumes, hairsprays, and lotions in your skincare routine to avoid unnecessary allergic reactions when they come into contact with your sensitive skin.
3. Use a cold compress or ice bag
If your bruise is large, applying a cold compress or ice bag to it can drastically reduce the itchiness. Cover your bruise in ice water and apply a towel to protect your skin from the cold while leaving it on for 20 minutes. If you have the time, ice baths are an even better way to keep your bruises from itching.
4. Wear a compression bandage
Compression bandages are a good way to prevent bruises from worsening as they heal and are a great, affordable option for bruising that causes itching. In addition, compression bandages prevent swelling or fluid retention in the injury site by applying light pressure. It also speeds up healing time and stops pain from spreading from the injury site.
5. Avoid scratching the area.
Scratching will cause more inflammation and itchiness. Instead, use a tissue or q-tip to clean off your skin where there is a potential rash, and use oil-free, non-irritating products on the skin to help prevent allergic reactions.
6. Apply corticosteroids
If you are experiencing severe itching from your bruises, it may be necessary to apply corticosteroids. These medications will help stop swelling and reduce inflammation, which will prevent the itching caused by it. Your doctor will determine whether or not you can be given corticosteroids due to your allergies.
7. Take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication
Many people take an anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen or naproxen to relieve mild discomfort when they have a bruise. However, this is not advised over the long term because it can cause skin rashes and worsen allergies. Instead, try using it for a few days, if at all, and talk to your doctor about how many days you can use it safely.
8. Avoid taking hot showers
Hot water damages the skin and can cause it to become more sensitive. The heat from the water can also cause more blood flow to the area and make the bruise itch more. If your bruise is itching, take a warm shower and moisturize it with lotion to soothe discomfort.
9. Lighter clothing
Wearing thick clothing or anything tight against your injury site can irritate it further. Thin shirts and comfortable clothing will give your skin air to breathe and stop the itching. Cotton is also comfortable on the skin when you wear it, especially in dressing shirts. It breathes well and allows your skin to breathe with it, reducing itchiness and preventing chafing from tight clothing that rubs against the bruise.
10.Use antihistamines
If you are allergic to dust and animal hair, an antihistamine can help with itching. These medications will relieve the itchiness caused by allergies. However, you must be cautious with these medicines because they can cause drowsiness and can interact negatively with other medications or supplements you take.
11. Using a non-irritating soap
You can also make your skin feel more comfortable by using a non-irritating soap and using it all over the area. You do not need to be concerned about having anti-bacterial soap on your bruises because it will not get into the open wounds. In addition, it will rinse off easily if you have open sores on your skin after washing.
12. Apply aloe vera
Aloe vera is a natural plant extract that has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. Applying a thin layer of aloe vera to the affected area may help to reduce itching and promote healing.
When to see a doctor?
While most bruises are not a cause for concern, there are certain situations when you should seek medical attention. Here are a few signs that you should see a doctor for a bruise:
1. If your bruises change color or get darker.
Color changes are one of the reasons why a bruise should be monitored. Brown, maroon and purple hues are normal for a bruise to have. Still, if the bruised area becomes black and blue, known as a subcutaneous hematoma, it is very serious and should be investigated by a doctor immediately. If you are unsure whether your bruises are worsening, see your doctor to get the diagnosis needed to treat them.
2. If you are experiencing a lot of swelling.
If a lot of swelling accompanies the bruises, this could indicate that they are getting worse and should be treated by a doctor.
3. If you notice painful swelling around the bruise
Painful swelling can indicate that the bruise is turning into a hematoma. It is best to take precautions and see a doctor to get the right diagnosis and treatment you need.
4. If you get a bruise often in the same place.
If you have bruises in the same areas over and over, it may signify something more serious going on beneath the surface of your skin. If you are concerned, it is best to see a doctor to find out what is going on with your skin.
5. You are not sure how the bruise occurred
When unsure how the bruise occurred, it is best to seek medical care to find out if you were injured in an accident that could have had more serious consequences.
6. You get bruises often
Sometimes, bruises may indicate a blood disorder or other underlying health condition that requires medical treatment. If you notice a pattern of bruising for no apparent reason, or if your bruises are big and frequent, you should see a doctor to see what is going on with your system and why you are bruising so often.
7. The bruise does not heal within a few weeks
If your bruises do not seem to heal fully, it may signify an underlying blood disorder or a collagen disorder. If the health of your skin is compromised, you must see a dermatologist to get the treatment needed to treat the underlying health issue.
Conclusion
Bruising is a common occurrence that occurs after injuries or other types of physical trauma. However, it can be uncomfortable and change your skin’s look. Itching is a common and annoying symptom of a bruise, but it’s a natural part of the healing process. By taking steps to reduce inflammation and promote healing, you can find relief from itchy bruises and help them heal more quickly. Remember to seek medical attention if you have a large or particularly painful bruise accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever or difficulty breathing.
References:
https://skincaregeeks.com/bruise-itches/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6963924/
https://www.healthdigest.com/838235/what-it-really-mean-when-your-bruise-itches/
https://southfloridareporter.com/why-do-bruises-itch-causes-treatments-and-when-to-see-a-doctor/