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How Do Bruises Form? Why They Show a Rainbow of Colors Before Healing

How Do Bruises Form? Why They Show a Rainbow of Colors Before Healing

Ever wondered why bruises form and cycle through a spectrum of colors before fading?

Our bodies contain countless tiny blood vessels called capillaries. A bump or fall can rupture them, allowing blood to leak beneath the intact skin.

This trapped blood creates the initial blue or purple hue of a bruise. Damaged vessels heal swiftly, and within about two weeks, the body reabsorbs the blood. During recovery, you'll often see the bruise shift through greens, yellows, and browns as hemoglobin breaks down.

Dealing with a bruise? These four remedies can help it fade as quickly as possible.