Patient Education: Contusion (Bruise) Wounds

Understanding Your Contusion

A contusion, also called a bruise, is an injury to your skin and underlying tissues caused by a bump or hit. Blood leaks out of small blood vessels under the skin, causing a blue, purple, or black mark. Swelling and pain may also occur.

Causes of Contusions

Contusions happen when your body experiences a direct blow, bump, or fall, such as:

Sports injuries
Accidental falls
Hitting furniture or objects
Car accidents
Physical activities without proper protection

Prevention of Contusions

Wear protective gear during sports (helmets, pads)
Clear walking areas to prevent falls
Use handrails on stairs
Be careful when lifting heavy objects
Keep floors dry and free of obstacles

Treatment of Contusions (Follow Your Doctor’s Orders)

Your doctor or home health nurse may recommend:

Rest – Avoid using the injured area if possible.
Ice – Apply a cold pack for 15–20 minutes every 1–2 hours for the first 24–48 hours.
Compression – Wrap the area lightly with an elastic bandage if advised.
Elevation – Raise the injured area above heart level to reduce swelling.
Pain relief – Take over-the-counter medicine like acetaminophen if allowed.
Dressing – Most contusions do not require a dressing, but if there is broken skin, a sterile dressing may be applied.

Understanding Your Wound Dressing

A wound dressing protects broken skin from germs.
A compromised dressing is wet, dirty, loose, torn, or falls off.

If your dressing is compromised:

Wash your hands.
Call your home health nurse or doctor for instructions.
Replace it with a clean, sterile dressing if advised.
Avoid touching the wound with unclean hands.

Signs of Infection or Complications

Call your nurse or doctor if you notice:

Redness, warmth, or swelling spreading around the bruise
Pain increasing instead of decreasing
Pus, yellow or green drainage (if skin is broken)
Fever or chills
Numbness, tingling, or difficulty moving the area

Signs of worsening contusion include:

Large, rapidly expanding bruises
Very painful swelling
Deep purple or black skin with hard lumps
Persistent bleeding under the skin

When to Contact Your Nurse or Doctor vs. Going to the ER

Call your home health nurse or doctor for:
- Pain that is not relieved by medicine
- Mild swelling or discoloration
- Dressing questions if skin is broken
Go to the Emergency Room if:
- Contusion is very large, deep, or painful
- Bruise appears without any injury (may indicate clotting issues)
- Numbness, weakness, or loss of function in the area
- Signs of infection or uncontrolled bleeding
- Head injuries with confusion, vomiting, or vision changes

Diet for Wound Healing

Eating the right foods helps your body heal bruises faster:

Protein: Chicken, fish, eggs, beans, tofu
Vitamin C: Oranges, strawberries, bell peppers
Vitamin K: Leafy greens (help with clotting)
Zinc: Nuts, seeds, whole grains
Fluids: Drink plenty of water

Special note: If you have kidney problems, talk to your doctor or home health nurse before changing your diet.

Extra Tips for Healing

Protect the injured area from further injury
Avoid massaging the bruise, as it can make bleeding worse
Follow all instructions from your doctor and nurse carefully
Use heat packs after 48 hours if swelling has gone down, only if advised

Patient Homework / Assessment: True or False

True or False – A contusion is also called a bruise.
True or False – Contusions are caused by bacteria.
True or False – Hitting your arm or leg can cause a contusion.
True or False – Most contusions need a sterile dressing.
True or False – Ice helps reduce swelling in the first 24–48 hours.
True or False – Elevating the injured area can help reduce swelling.
True or False – Pain that worsens instead of improving is normal.
True or False – Rapidly expanding bruises should be reported to a doctor.
True or False – Drinking water supports healing of bruises.
True or False – Protein-rich foods help your body repair tissue.
True or False – You can massage the bruise to make it heal faster.
True or False – Fever or chills after a bruise can be a sign of infection.
True or False – You should go to the ER if your bruise is very painful or large.
True or False – Wearing protective gear can prevent contusions during sports.
True or False – Vitamin C and Vitamin K help with healing bruises.
True or False – Bruises always appear immediately after an injury.
True or False – Numbness or difficulty moving the area is a warning sign.
True or False – If a dressing falls off, you should ignore it.
True or False – People with kidney problems should ask their nurse before changing their diet.
True or False – Following your doctor’s instructions helps your bruise heal safely.

Answer Key and Explanations

True – Contusions are commonly called bruises.
False – Contusions are caused by trauma, not bacteria.
True – A direct hit can cause blood vessels to break.
False – Most contusions do not need a dressing unless the skin is broken.
True – Ice helps reduce swelling and pain in the first 24–48 hours.
True – Elevating the injured area helps reduce swelling.
False – Pain that worsens may indicate complications.
True – Rapidly expanding bruises should be reported.
True – Staying hydrated helps tissue repair.
True – Protein helps rebuild damaged tissue.
False – Massaging a bruise can make bleeding worse.
True – Fever or chills can indicate infection.
True – Severe bruises may need emergency care.
True – Protective gear prevents trauma.
True – Vitamin C and K support healing and clotting.
False – Bruises may appear hours or days after an injury.
True – Numbness or weakness may indicate nerve or severe tissue injury.
False – A compromised dressing should be reported.
True – Kidney patients must check with their nurse before diet changes.
True – Following instructions ensures proper healing and prevents complications.