Bruise

A bruise forms when a blow breaks small blood vessels near your skin's surface, allowing a small amount of blood to leak out under your skin. The trapped blood appears as a black-and-blue mark. Sometimes, there also are tiny red dots or red splotches.

If your skin isn't broken, you don't need a bandage. You can, however, enhance healing with these simple techniques:

-Elevate the injured area.

-Apply ice or a cold pack for 30 to 60 minutes at a time for a day or two after the injury.

See your doctor if:

-You have unusually large or painful bruises — particularly if your bruises seem to develop for no known reasons.

-You bruise easily and you're experiencing abnormal bleeding elsewhere, such as from your nose or gums, or you notice blood in your eyes or your urine.

-You have no history of bruising but suddenly experience bruises.

These signs and symptoms may indicate a more serious problem, such as a blood-clotting problem or blood-related disease. Bruises accompanied by persistent pain or headache also may indicate a more serious underlying illness and require medical attention.