How to get rid of a bruise after an IV

A bruise after an IV is a completely common occurrence. Quite often, after various types of injections, a hematoma appears on a person’s arm. It can be any shade - from lilac to dark purple. When the abrasion begins to heal, it changes color to yellow or green. If some kind of lump appears along with the bruise, it will also go away after some time. On average, such a hematoma goes away in a couple of weeks, but you can speed up the healing process with various medications and folk remedies

Why does a bruise appear?

Hematomas after IVs appear due to injury to blood vessels, as a result of which blood clots accumulate under the skin. This happens especially often (and not only after injections) in people who have blood diseases. These abrasions can be of any size and in most cases cause little pain and mild discomfort. Sometimes very large bruises occur; this occurs when a vessel is punctured through. An abrasion can also appear if a person has inelastic, brittle blood vessels or are located too close to the skin. Bruises also appear if the patient does not hold the cotton wool on his bent arm for a short time. In addition to hematomas, a lump may also form. It is formed due to the medication accumulating in the tissues, especially if it is made on the basis of oil. Ideally, the injected medication should be distributed evenly throughout the body, but sometimes a malfunction occurs and the fluid accumulates in one place. Bumps from IVs are also characterized by pain during pressure and redness of the skin next to the damage. However, bruises and other abrasions after an injection can appear not only due to the structural features of the body, but also due to doctor errors. The most common medical errors when administering the drug subcutaneously:

• uneven speed of drug administration (very slow or fast);
• poor quality needle;
• vein puncture due to carelessness;
• needle too short or long;
• the medication is not injected deeply enough.

Bruise after tests: why

Usually, only a small dot at the puncture site can “tell” about the blood being taken. However, in some cases, the “consequences” of the procedure are difficult to miss. What could be the reason for the formation of a hematoma after taking blood? And who is more at risk of “getting” such a bruise than others?

Ignoring recommendations after taking

The leading positions in the “formation” of bruises after tests are occupied by straightening the arm too early and removing the pressure bandage.

The fact is that the absence of a pressure factor before the formation of a full-fledged clot in the vessel leads to “leakage” of blood under the skin and the formation of a bruise.

Therefore, according to generally accepted recommendations, the bandage should not be removed for 0.5-1 hour after taking it, as well as lifting heavy objects for several hours.

Thinness and fragility of blood vessels

It may seem surprising, but this situation is not at all uncommon. And the point here is not so much in the genetic features of the structure (although this, of course, matters), but in the disruption of the synthesis of collagen fibers and the permeability of the vascular wall.

In the first case, the cause may be age-related changes, estrogen deficiency, in the second - a lack of vitamins C and P (rutin).

By the way, this vitamin deficiency is usually accompanied by bleeding gums, frequent nosebleeds and the formation of bruises even with minor exposure. And people who have such “symptoms” are more likely than others to “get” a hematoma after taking blood.

The presence of vascular pathology, as a rule, remains unnoticeable for a long time and is often a consequence of existing diseases. People with autoimmune diseases and metabolic diseases (diabetes mellitus, gout and others) are at increased risk for “bruising”.

Bleeding disorders

This cause of hematoma obviously requires attention and treatment.

Unpopular, but true - most coagulation factors (as well as anticoagulants) are formed in the liver. Impaired liver function can lead to insufficient synthesis of coagulation factors.

The size of the hematoma, at the same time, often reaches large sizes, and bleeding from the wound does not stop for a long time. This situation threatens the development of internal bleeding, and the level of greatest importance here is:

• INR
• prothrombin,
• APTT,
• fibrinogen,
• antithrombin III.

You can also comprehensively assess blood coagulation using the “Coagulogram. Expanded”, which allows, in addition to the risk of bleeding, to assess the risk of thrombosis.

A slight “bruising” can result from a decrease in platelets.

These cells are not associated with liver health, but are sensitive to many drugs (for example, “gastric” ranitidine, or the anti-epileptic carbamazepine), as well as various infections (Epstein-Barr virus, hepatitis C and others).

A threat of bleeding is considered to be a decrease below 50 x 109, and a “routine” general blood test can check platelet levels.

Thus, the appearance of a large bruise after taking blood is not at all a normal option and requires attention to exclude serious diseases if this situation recurs.

Medicines against bruises

Removing an abrasion on the arm after injections is quite simple. To do this, you can use medications or traditional medicine. Of the medications that can be found in pharmacies against bruises, “heparin ointment” is very effective. It is suitable for small and medium-sized hematomas, as it quickly resolves blood clots and relieves inflammation. In this case, “Badyaga” can also help. Troxevasin ointment also helps a lot. It is suitable for medium and large hematomas with swelling. Iodine mesh is a classic remedy against hematomas. You just need to apply the substance with a cotton swab to the abrasion. Some doctors also recommend using a Darsonval massager. It improves lymph flow and strengthens blood vessels.

Folk remedies against hematomas

Traditional medicine also effectively resolves bruises from an IV.

• For example, many people use an alcohol compress. To prepare it, you will need to mix water and alcohol in equal quantities (their amount should be small), and moisten cotton wool or gauze in this solution. After this, the moistened cotton wool should be applied to the abrasion and covered with a film for insulation. This bandage should be kept for about 30 minutes.
• You can also apply cabbage to the bruise at night; if desired, you can smear it with honey. Just before applying, the cabbage leaf needs to be washed very well.
• For the formation of bruises and abrasions, you can also mix salt and clay powder (red or green) with water. The result should be dough. You need to make a cake out of it and apply it to the bruise.
• Honey and radish are also good remedies. To prepare a medicinal mixture from them, the vegetable must be grated. When mixing, the ratio of honey to radish should be 1 to 2. Moisten gauze in the honey mixture and apply to the abrasion. You need to repeat this compress until the bruise completely resolves.

How can I further speed up healing?

In addition to the methods described above, you can use vitamin C, because it strengthens blood vessels and increases their elasticity. This vitamin can be taken orally or by injection. The most enjoyable form of vitamin C for many is ascorbic acid and various fruits. If you take vitamin C in any form every day, you can not only quickly deal with a bruise, but also improve your immunity. If you come home immediately after a bruise appears from an IV, you can have time to apply ice to the injury. It must be remembered that cold can only help in the first five hours from the moment of injury. Ice should be kept for no more than 30 minutes, and be sure to wrap it in a towel or gauze.

If a day has passed since the injection, you can hold your hand under warm water and then massage the bruise, this will help quickly disperse blood clots.

Is it possible to avoid a bruise?

The appearance of a bruise can be avoided, but this does not always depend on the patient himself. Still, it is best for the injection or drip to be given by qualified doctors, who may not always be careful. However, if the injection is carried out at home, then you can try to protect yourself as much as possible. To do this, you must follow all the precautions described below. When injecting into the buttocks, the muscles in this place should be completely relaxed. You also need to remember that the needle should be inserted 2/3 way if the injection is made into a muscle. In addition, after injection, it is advisable to walk for about five minutes and not sit down. It is best to use a thin needle to inject medications. It is equally important to administer the drug evenly, without jerking and at the same time not very slowly. For this, a syringe with a black pad on the base is best suited, because... it allows injections to be made in a thin stream and does not injure blood vessels. After the injection, it is recommended to keep the cotton wool for at least 15 minutes, and if the skin is delicate, then preferably longer. Also, after the injection, there is no need to rub the injection site with a swab; it is recommended to simply hold the cotton wool, lightly pressing it against the injection site. In the event that bruises appear after any injections, we advise you to read the article written on this topic: “Remedies for the treatment of bumps after injections.”

Contraindications to the use of ozone therapy

• bleeding;
• bleeding disorders;
• thrombosis;
• myocardial infarction;
• stroke;
• severe cardiovascular pathologies;
• convulsive syndrome, epilepsy;
• severe hypotension;
• alcohol intoxication and acute alcoholic psychosis;
• thyrotoxicosis, hyperfunction of the thyroid gland;
• acute pancreatitis;
• allergy to ozone and individual intolerance;
• blood diseases accompanied by a decrease in the number of platelets, decreased blood clotting (hemophilia, thrombocytopenia);
• tendency to bleed;
• menstruation;
• increased thyroid function;
• tendency to seizures;
• epilepsy;
• age under 18 years;
• pregnancy (toxicosis, gestosis, placental insufficiency, fetal hypoxia, intrauterine infection).

Pros and cons of the procedure

The procedure is becoming increasingly popular; it is offered not only in expensive hospitals, but also in ordinary hospitals and clinics. Health professionals claim that such treatment can solve numerous health problems. Intravenous ozone therapy stimulates the immune system. The body begins to resist viruses, fungi, bacteria. The gas mixture also increases blood fluidity, and during hypoxia allows the body tissues to be fully saturated.

But there is also a drawback. It lies in the fact that ozone therapy has not been fully studied. Scientists do not know how the human body reacts later after treatment. In addition, if the ratio of gases in the mixture is incorrect, cell membranes can be destroyed, which is how oncological processes start.

If the dosage is not observed, the patient will experience intoxication, the respiratory process will be disrupted, the mucous membrane of the organs of vision will be damaged, and the process of early aging will begin. Before prescribing ozone therapy, the specialist must have a good understanding of how much the patient needs it. For example, if a patient’s blood is fluid without ozone, then therapy will lead to leukopenia.

Signs of complications

Even though a bruise is not a very serious injury, some complications may still arise if an infection enters the body. If some symptoms appear, it is better to consult a doctor. Warning signs that you need to pay attention to immediately:

• severe pain;
• increase in abrasion size;
• spasm;
• limitation of hand motor function (discomfort, pain, etc.);
• general weakness;
• the bruise does not go away for a long time;
• the site of the hematoma began to heat up.

All these signs may indicate inflammation due to infection or damage to internal organs. You should know that an ordinary bruise resolves on average in a week, if the skin is tender, then in two. Complications especially occur in those who have poor blood clotting.

Indications for the use of ozone therapy

There are many indications for this type of therapy, since exposure to ozone can be beneficial in almost all areas of medicine. But, despite the apparent versatility and usefulness of the procedure, it can only be performed as indicated or with the approval of a doctor. Since ozone therapy has contraindications and its use in certain conditions can cause deterioration in well-being and lead to undesirable negative consequences.

• ozone therapy is prescribed in urology for prostatitis, erectile dysfunction, inflammatory diseases of the external and internal genital organs, cystitis, pyelonephritis, urolithiasis, prostate adenoma, urination disorders, etc.;
• a course of ozone therapy will be useful for those who cannot break the vicious circle of colds. Any viral and bacterial infections, ENT infections, diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract and others can be treated with ozone. It is recommended to carry out therapy as prophylaxis or at the final stage of treatment;
• for the prevention of chronic fatigue syndrome;
• to improve performance during mental and physical stress;
• For headaches and migraines of unknown etiology, you can try ozone therapy. Often it leads to lasting results, and the patient forgets about pain and pills;
• ozone will be effective against various bacterial and fungal infections, including skin ones. The severity of the disease does not matter; in this case, ozone therapy is auxiliary to the main drug treatment. It can also be used for chronic, indolent infections;
• ozone is necessary for the treatment of many neurological diseases, for example, circulatory disorders in the brain or any other organ, insomnia, vegetative-vascular dystonia;
• cardiologists prescribe ozone therapy in the treatment of cardiovascular failure, coronary heart disease, angina pectoris, arrhythmia, hypertension, atherosclerosis;
• ozone is used to treat obesity in the form of injections - under its influence, fat cells are burned much faster, as well as for recovery after surgery, for example, liposuction;
• ozone treatment is prescribed for the treatment of gynecological inflammatory diseases, rheumatism, arthritis, varicose veins, diabetes mellitus, diseases of the kidneys, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, vascular system, thyroid gland;
• Ozone therapy is permitted and beneficial for pregnant women. If, outside of pregnancy, ozone is effective in the treatment of endometritis, salpingoophoritis, colpitis, vulvitis, kraurosis, vulvar dyskeratosis, then in obstetrics it is used for the prevention and treatment of intrauterine infection of the fetus, toxicosis, gestosis, anemia, fetoplacental insufficiency, threat of miscarriage and premature birth, postpartum infections;
• in some cases, ozone therapy can be effective in the treatment of alcoholism, in the general improvement and strengthening of the body that was under the influence of harmful substances (alcohol, chemicals, medications, work in hazardous industries, etc.);
• Ozone is useful in treating scars, stretch marks, burns and other skin damage. Under its influence, more correct and rapid formation of healthy tissue occurs;
• dermatitis, acne, psoriasis, eczema, allergies can also be caused by various pathogens that ozone can destroy. Ozone therapy in this case is indicated as a cosmetic procedure that helps restore clean and healthy skin;
• Trophic ulcers and varicose veins are successfully treated;
• endocrinologists use ozone therapy for diabetes mellitus; pain in the legs and arms in diabetic polyneuropathy is well relieved;
• Ozone is also used in cosmetology for rejuvenation. Under its influence, aging skin is renewed, freed from toxins, filled with oxygen, which leads to the smoothing of wrinkles;
• Ozone is effective in the fight against cellulite. It normalizes blood flow in tissues, eliminates stagnation of water, removes decay products and the skin becomes smooth and velvety.