bruised neck; Causes, side effects + 5 gels and ointments to remove bruises immediately
neck bruise; Causes, side effects + 5 gels and ointments to remove bruises immediately
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If you stand in front of the mirror and suddenly see an unusual bruise on your neck, you are probably very worried. Neck bruises have various causes, most of them are caused by simple physical injuries and they heal within 2 weeks at most. But when this problem occurs repeatedly or chronically, it can be a sign of a serious medical condition. In this article from Darmankade Health Magazine, we examine the causes of neck bruising and its treatment methods and explain when you should see a doctor.
Table of Contents
What causes neck bruising?
A bruise occurs when the blood It leaks from the veins and collects under the skin. Accumulation of blood can change the color of the skin and cause swelling, pain and sensitivity to touch. Bruises on the neck in fair-skinned people may be red or purple at first and then change to light brown, green or yellow over time. In people with darker skin, this condition is usually seen as purple, dark brown, or black.
The blood vessels of the neck may experience subcutaneous bleeding for the following reasons:
- Physical injury or trauma
- Skin aging
- Suffering from a disease that changes the number of blood platelets (such as autoimmune diseases, hemophilia, and leukemia)
- Using medications that interfere with blood clotting (including heparin, warfarin, aspirin, and steroids)
Are you worried about your neck bruising?
Make an appointment with your doctor now and check the cause. Internal specialist doctor Internal specialist online visitNeck bruise due to hickey (kiss mark)
Hickey that is Also called a kiss mark, it is a dark red or purple spot on the skin that is caused by a kiss or strong suction of the skin during romantic relationships. The neck is one of the most common areas for hickeys to occur, but this condition can occur anywhere on the body. When your partner sucks your skin, the pressure created damages the blood vessels and causes blood spots to collect under the skin. The color of this bruise may change over time from red or dark purple to yellow.
Sometimes a strong kiss on the neck causes small blood vessels to rupture and bruise.Like other bruises, it usually takes three to 14 days for a hickey to heal. This is a superficial complication and heals faster compared to deeper bruises, for example a bruise around the eye. The following table shows the stages of hickey removal:
DaySkin ChangesDay 1The skin becomes red due to the accumulation of blood under the skin.Day 1 to 2The bruise becomes bluish-purple or black due to changes in hemoglobin (a protein containing iron that is involved in carrying oxygen).Day 5 to 10The color of the neck turns green or It turns yellow.Day 10 to 14The color of the bruise turns yellowish brown or light brown and begins to fade.Why does my neck bruise quickly?
Some conditions increase the likelihood of neck bruising, including:
1. Aging
With age, the skin becomes thinner and part of the fat layer that protects the vessels is lost. Also, blood vessels become more fragile. All these factors cause the neck to bruise even after a small blow.
2. Vitamin deficiency
The body uses vitamin C to make collagen; A protein that forms the structure of blood vessels. Severe vitamin C deficiency is rare, but when it occurs, it causes weakening of the blood vessels, which is one of the symptoms of neck bruising. In addition, the body uses vitamin K to help blood clot. People with low vitamin K levels are likely to bruise quickly.
3. Genetics and family history
If you or a relative bruises at the slightest bump, it may be hereditary. Some people have more fragile blood vessels and therefore are more at risk of bruising than others.
4. Bleeding disorders
Some diseases such as von Willebrand and hemophilia make it harder for blood to clot and increase the chance of bruising. These disorders are rare; But if they are not treated, they can endanger health.
5. Some types of cancer
In rare cases, neck bruising may be a sign of leukemia (a type of blood cancer). If you always feel tired, achy and weak in addition to the bruise, or have recently lost weight unintentionally, make an appointment with an online internal medicine doctor for advice.
If the neck bruise is accompanied by unusual symptoms such as extreme fatigue, see a doctor.Complications of a neck bruise
A neck bruise can rarely be a sign of a serious medical problem or lead to serious complications. However, in very rare cases a hickey may lead to paralysis or stroke. Of course, this usually happens in people who already have arterial problems.
The main artery called the carotid artery is located on both sides of the neck and brings blood to the brain, face and neck. Too much pressure on this artery can cause a clot to form or an existing clot to break free.
When is neck bruising a concern?
See your doctor if you notice any of the following:
- Bruising for no apparent reason
- Bruising that lasts longer than 2 weeks
- Large and frequent bruising on the neck
- Presence of a hard lump on the back of the neck or in the affected area
- Pain and swelling of the neck
- Observation of blood in the urine or stool
It is also important to seek emergency care immediately if you experience the following problems:
- Severe headache
- Loss of balance
- Blood or clear fluid from the ears and nose
- Memory impairment or confusion
- Symptoms of anemia or severe bleeding such as sweating, weakness, nausea, dizziness or excessive thirst
- Infection symptoms such as fever, chills and diarrhea
Bruises that are severe or last for a long time should be checked by a doctor.A hickey shouldn’t cause any real problems, but see a doctor if:
- The hickey doesn’t go away after a couple of weeks.
- The bruise is very sore.
- You notice other bruises on your body, especially if you don’t know how you got them.
- There’s a lump over the bruise.
These symptoms could be a sign of a medical condition, like a blood disease or clotting disorder.
Hickey usually does not cause serious problems, but in the following cases You should see a doctor:
- The hickey hasn't gone away after a few weeks.
- The bruise is very painful.
- Look for other bruises on the body, especially if you don't know the reason for them.
- There is a mass on the bruise.
These symptoms could be a sign of a medical condition such as a blood disease or blood clotting disorder.
Necessary tests to diagnose the cause of a neck bruise
Sometimes a doctor can identify the cause of a bruise by taking a history and physical examination. Otherwise, he will order the following tests:
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Peripheral blood smear (shows whether blood cells are damaged, abnormal, or immature)
- Prothrombin time and relative thromboplastin time tests, which check the function of blood clotting factors
Depending on the condition And the results obtained from the above tests, the doctor may also prescribe imaging tests or other diagnostic tests.
Ways to eliminate neck bruises
The following methods can help speed up the healing process:
1. Cold compress
If you are looking for a way to get rid of a bruised neck immediately, use a cold compress. Cold helps constrict blood vessels, reduces blood supply to the skin and relieves swelling. In this method, you should put the cold compress on the neck several times a day and for 10 minutes each time.
2. Hot compress
After 2 days of using cold compress, it is time to use heat. A warm compress helps dilate blood vessels, increases blood supply to the neck area, and makes bruising less visible. From the third day on, put the hot compress on the affected area several times a day for 10 minutes.
3. Gentle massage
Massage may increase blood flow and help relieve pain. However, there is not enough research to confirm its effectiveness. In this method, you should massage the affected area for a few minutes a day with gentle pressure to speed up the process of fading the bruise. Important note: Strong touch or pressure can make the bruise worse. So it is better to consult an internal specialist before neck massage and do it very carefully.
Simple bruises can be treated with home remedies.4. Adding peppermint essential oil to massage
Peppermint essential oil can stimulate blood flow to the affected area and help reduce the size of the bruise. For this, be sure to use the real essential oil, not the extract used for cooking.
Always dilute peppermint essential oil. The general rule of thumb is to add about 12 drops of a carrier oil such as coconut oil or olive oil for every 1 to 2 drops of essential oil. It is also necessary to do a skin sensitivity test:
- Apply a small amount of the diluted oil on the inside of the forearm.
- If you do not notice any signs of irritation, itching or sensitivity within 24 hours, the oil is safe to use on the neck.
To treat a bruise, simply massage a small amount of the diluted oil on the neck. You can repeat this as many times as you want to increase the speed of recovery.
5. Using banana peel
A common home remedy for bruises is to apply banana peel on the neck at least 2 times a day for 30 minutes each time. Nutrients in banana peels, including zinc, are believed to help heal bruises. However, there is not enough scientific evidence to prove this claim.
6. Using Bromelain
Bromelain is a type of enzyme found in pineapples that helps reduce bruising. To benefit from the properties of this enzyme, you can eat fresh pineapple, drink the juice of this fruit or use supplements containing bromelain. Since bromelain may interact with some medications, it is essential to consult a doctor before taking the supplement.
Best Ointment for Neck Bruises
Topical products containing vitamins or herbal compounds can also be used for bruises. These products are:
1. Vitamin K
Evidence shows that topical vitamin K can reduce bruising and speed the healing process. Because this vitamin plays a key role in the blood clotting process and is useful for reducing inflammation and repairing damaged vessels.
If you are complaining of a bruised neck, you can apply vitamin K cream on the affected area. Using foods rich in vitamin K, such as green leafy vegetables and supplements containing this vitamin, can also help.
Vitamin K helps reduce neck bruising by reducing inflammation.2. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is necessary to maintain the health and softness of the skin. This vitamin has strong antioxidant properties and can increase collagen production in the skin. In fact, vitamin C strengthens the skin tissue around the blood vessels and thus eliminates the bruise.
If the neck is bruised, it is recommended to apply cream containing vitamin C on the affected area and increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables containing this vitamin, especially spinach, broccoli, okra and grapes.
3. Arnica
Arnica is an herb known to be effective in treating bruises. Arnica creams reduce discoloration, pain and swelling caused by bruises and accelerate the healing process.
4. Cocoa butter
Cocoa butter, which is obtained from cocoa beans, is used in many skin care programs. Because it helps to nourish the skin, improve elasticity and slow down the aging process. To remove neck bruises, it is recommended to apply lotions containing cocoa butter on the affected area once or twice a day.
Gel to remove neck bruises
Since aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties, its gel is an ideal option to reduce bruising, pain and swelling. To treat bruises, it is recommended to apply a thin layer of plant gel on the neck at least 2 times a day.
Final word
Neck bruises are not worrisome in most cases and usually disappear with the help of home remedies such as hot and cold compresses, gentle massage, drinking pineapple juice or using topical products. However, if the problem persists, you should definitely consult a doctor. The doctors of Darmankade are ready to examine your condition in the shortest possible time and provide the necessary recommendations.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take for a neck bruise to disappear?The bruise usually heals by itself within 2 weeks; Of course, this period of time can vary depending on the severity of the injury. What color is a severe neck bruise? The appearance of a bruise depends on many factors, including the natural color of the skin, the severity of the injury, and the duration of the incident. However, a serious bruise is usually large, painful, and swollen or associated with a mass.
No. Bruising usually does not have a permanent effect. But due to frequent neck injuries, blood disorders that cause back-to-back bruises, and skin diseases, you may think that the bruise won't go away. In this situation, it is better to see a doctor to determine the cause.
Several factors can slow down the healing process. These factors include: alcohol consumption, lack of vitamin C, exercise immediately after bruising, and taking supplements that thin the blood (including fish oil, garlic, ginkgo biloba, and vitamin E). webmd | healthline
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