Bruises are a common occurrence that most people experience from time to time. They occur when an injury causes tiny blood vessels under the skin to break, allowing blood to seep into surrounding tissues. This results in the characteristic black-and-blue discoloration. Bruises are usually harmless and go away on their own within a week or two. However, some people want to speed up the healing process. This has led to questions about whether natural remedies like aloe vera can get rid of bruises faster.
What causes bruises?
A bruise forms when an impact injury, such as a bump or fall, causes damage to capillary blood vessels under the skin. When these tiny vessels break, blood leaks into the surrounding soft tissues. This blood is initially bright red. As time passes, it turns bluish-purple and eventually fades to a greenish-yellow color before disappearing entirely. This color change happens as the body gradually reabsorbs the pooled blood.
People with bleeding disorders or who take blood-thinning medications like aspirin are more prone to excessive bruising after minor injuries. The elderly also bruise more easily because their skin and blood vessels become thinner with age.
The bruise healing process
Bruises go through distinct stages as they heal:
- Days 1-2: A bruise starts out reddish, turning bluish-purple or black as blood pools under the skin.
- Days 3-5: The dark purple colors start to fade to a greenish-brown tinge.
- Days 6-10: Green and yellow hues become more prominent as the bruise continues to heal.
- Days 10-14: Yellow or light brown discoloration remains as the bruise fades.
- 2+ weeks: Bruise fully resolved with no discoloration remaining.
The duration of each phase can vary depending on factors like the severity of the injury and a person’s age and health. Most bruises disappear completely within 2-4 weeks.
Using aloe vera for bruises
Aloe vera is a popular home remedy for burns, wounds, and skin inflammation. The clear gel inside the leaves contains compounds like polysaccharides and anthraquinones that possess anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and pain-relieving properties.
Some people apply aloe vera gel directly on bruises in the hopes that it will speed healing. Aloe is thought to work in several ways:
- Increasing circulation: Improved blood flow may help clear out leaked blood and fluid from the bruised area faster.
- Reducing inflammation: Aloe vera can curb swelling and inflammation around the injury site.
- Providing nutrients: Compounds like vitamins, minerals, and amino acids may assist tissue repair.
- Softening and moisturizing skin: This helps restore the damaged area.
Unfortunately, there is limited scientific research specifically on aloe vera for bruise treatment. But some studies have found benefits for other types of skin injuries:
- In one study, applying aloe gel helped heal burn wounds faster compared to conventional treatments like silver sulfadiazine cream.
- Another study found that aloe vera could accelerate healing in people who had undergone dermabrasion facial resurfacing surgery.
- Research in rats discovered that topical aloe vera could promote wound closure and regeneration of skin tissues.
More research is still needed, but these results suggest aloe vera may indeed have properties that help treat damaged skin and tissue.
How to use aloe vera gel for bruises
To try using aloe vera for bruises:
- Cut off a leaf from a live aloe plant and slice it lengthwise to access the clear gel inside.
- Scoop out the gel and apply it directly on the bruised skin.
- Gently massage the area to work the gel into the skin.
- Repeat 2-3 times per day.
Make sure to use a fresh aloe leaf each time, as the gel oxidizes and loses effectiveness quickly after exposure to air. Store any leftover gel in the refrigerator for up to a week.
You can also find bottled aloe vera gel sold in many drugstores and online. Look for a pure, 100% aloe product. Apply as directed on the label.
Regardless of the source, only use aloe vera gel externally on the skin. Consuming aloe vera juice or supplements is not proven to help bruises.
Other natural remedies for bruises
In addition to possibly helping, aloe vera is generally safe for external use. However, other home treatments also show some evidence for aiding bruise healing:
- Arnica: Arnica flowers have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Oral arnica supplements may be effective, but only apply arnica creams on unbroken skin.
- Bromelain: This enzyme from pineapples exhibits anti-inflammatory and blood thinning effects. Bromelain supplements may speed bruise healing.
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C is needed for collagen production and tissue repair. Oral vitamin C supplements can help repair damaged blood vessels.
- Compression: Wrapping an elastic bandage around a bruise can help minimize swelling and leakage of blood.
- Cold therapy: Applying an ice pack constricts blood vessels, reducing blood leakage and inflammation.
However, the evidence for most alternative bruise remedies is limited. More research is still needed on their effectiveness and appropriate dosing.
When to see a doctor
Most minor bruises heal well on their own without any intervention. But see a doctor if:
- The bruise is very large or swelling rapidly.
- You have no idea how the bruise occurred.
- You are on blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder.
- There is significant pain, numbness or loss of function.
- You have fever, red streaks or pus draining from the site.
Severe or unexplained bruising can sometimes indicate an underlying medical condition needing prompt treatment. Elderly individuals on blood thinners are also at increased risk of extensive bleeding and bruising after an injury.
| Stage | Color | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Initial | Red to purplish-blue | 1-2 days |
| Early healing | Blue to greenish-brown | 3-5 days |
| Late healing | Greenish-yellow to light brown | 6-14 days |
| Resolved | Normal skin color | 2+ weeks |
This table outlines the typical color changes and duration of a bruise at different stages of healing.
When to use aloe vera
Here are some best practices for using aloe vera on bruises:
- Apply aloe gel during the initial and early healing stages when inflammation is highest.
- Continue using for 10-14 days as the bruised area fades to yellow/green.
- Stop aloe vera once the bruise has mostly resolved with just slight discoloration left.
- Do not use aloe vera gel on open or broken skin as it can delay healing.
- Avoid excessive rubbing or massaging bruised tissues which can worsen damage.
Aloe vera is theoretically most helpful when inflammation and discoloration are greatest in the first 1-2 weeks after an injury. It likely provides little added benefit after a bruise has mostly healed.
Is aloe vera helpful for bruises?
The advantages
- Has anti-inflammatory properties that may decrease swelling
- Contains antioxidants, enzymes, and nutrients that support healing
- Easy to source and apply as a topical gel
- Generally considered very safe when used appropriately
The disadvantages
- Minimal research specifically on using aloe vera for bruises
- Healing effects may not be significantly better than conventional treatments
- Must be applied multiple times per day for best results
- Fresh gel has a short shelf-life and oxidizes quickly
The verdict
Early research shows promise for aloe vera aiding bruise healing. Its anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce swelling and discoloration, especially when applied during the first few days after an injury. However, more studies are still needed to confirm effectiveness and optimal use recommendations.
Trying aloe vera gel is generally low risk, as long as it is used appropriately on intact skin. But aloe vera should not replace conventional treatment methods recommended by your doctor, especially for severe bruising. Most minor bruises also heal well without any intervention at all within a couple weeks.
Conclusion
Bruises are common annoying injuries that most people experience from time to time. While bruises usually disappear on their own, home remedies like aloe vera may potentially speed the healing process along. Aloe vera contains compounds that can help reduce inflammation and improve circulation.
Applying aloe vera gel directly on the bruised skin may assist recovery, especially if used during the first 1-2 weeks when the bruise is still reddish-purple. However, research specifically on aloe vera for bruises is limited. More studies are needed to confirm effectiveness.
When used appropriately, topical aloe vera is very low risk. It may be worth trying for minor bruises. But aloe vera should not replace conventional medical treatment for more severe bruising. Most bruises do not require any special intervention as they normally heal within 2-4 weeks. See a doctor for bruises that seem excessive or if any signs of infection arise.