What Does It Mean if a Bruise Gets Larger?

Bruises are a common result of everyday injuries, but sometimes a bruise might appear to grow longer or larger than expected. Understanding what this means can help you determine when to seek medical advice and when it's simply a normal part of the healing process.

Initial Injury and the Formation of a Bruise

When you initially sustain a bruise, small blood vessels (capillaries) break, allowing blood to leak into the surrounding tissue. This often appears as a small discoloration, which typically starts as a red or purple hue.

The Expansion of a Bruise

If the bruise continues to grow, it may indicate that additional blood is leaking from damaged vessels or that the initial bleeding is continuing. This can happen due to several factors:

Re-injury or movement: Repeated injury to the same area or significant movement and pressure on the bruise can cause further bleeding. Underlying health issues: Certain medical conditions, such as bleeding disorders or infections, can cause a bruise to persist or enlarge.

Changes in Color and Symptoms

Bruises often change color as they heal, progressing from red or purple to blue, green, and eventually yellow, then lightening to match the skin's color. However, if the bruise is expanding, the color might remain dark longer than usual or change unpredictably. Additionally, if the expanding bruise is accompanied by severe pain, swelling, or other unusual symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical attention.

Natural Evolution of a Bruise

A bruise typically expands beyond its point of origin due to the bleeding into the surrounding tissue. If it's a hit rather than a cut with ongoing bleeding, the bruise may spread more significantly. This is because bruising occurs when blood leaks into the soft tissues under the skin and can move according to gravity.

For example, if you sustain a bruise on your left cheek, the blood will initially spread into the surrounding tissues. Over time, gravity will cause the bruise to move downward, potentially affecting the upper neck and ear area if the person falls supine. The bruise will continue to spread until all bleeding has stopped into the tissue.

If the soft tissue is bulging under the skin, it means that the blood is still liquid and can be felt like a small bag. As the blood begins to dissolve, it changes color, starting with a purple hue, then turning green, and eventually lighter yellow or skin-colored as the wound heals.

Signs to Watch Out For

While bruising is a normal response to injury, significant changes in size or symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. If a bruise continues to grow or is accompanied by severe pain, swelling, or other unusual symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical attention. Prompt evaluation can help rule out any underlying conditions, such as bleeding disorders or infections, that may require treatment.

In summary, while a growing bruise can be concerning, understanding the natural healing process and monitoring for unusual symptoms can help you determine when to seek medical help. Regular check-ins with a healthcare provider can ensure that any issues are addressed in a timely manner.