A suction bruise occurs when concentrated negative pressure is applied to the skin. This pressure causes tiny blood vessels, called capillaries, just beneath the skin’s surface to rupture. When these capillaries break, blood leaks out into the surrounding tissues, becoming trapped and visible as a discolored mark. Common examples include hickeys or marks left by cupping therapy.
What is a Suction Bruise and How Long Does It Typically Last?
The trapped blood then pools under the skin, resulting in characteristic red, purple, or black discoloration. As the body naturally repairs the damage, it breaks down and reabsorbs this trapped blood. The bruise changes colors over time, progressing from red or purple to green, then yellow, before fading completely.
The duration of a suction bruise varies depending on several factors, including the intensity of the suction and the body’s natural healing capabilities. Light red or pink marks, from mild suction, may fade within two to four days. Darker red or purple marks, indicating moderate suction, usually last around five to seven days. More intense suction can lead to very dark purple or black marks, which may take one to two weeks or even longer to fully disappear. While most bruises resolve within two weeks, severe ones can persist for a month or more.
Factors That Affect Healing Time
Several elements can influence how quickly a suction bruise heals. These include the intensity and duration of the suction applied. The location of the bruise on the body also matters, as areas with thinner skin or more superficial blood vessels may bruise more easily and take longer to heal.
Individual differences in healing capabilities are important. Age can affect healing time, as older individuals often have thinner skin and more fragile blood vessels, making them more prone to bruising and slower to recover. Underlying health conditions, such as clotting disorders, or certain medications like blood thinners or NSAIDs, can increase the likelihood of bruising and prolong its resolution. Nutritional deficiencies, particularly in vitamins C and K, can also impair the body’s ability to heal and clot blood effectively.
Tips for Supporting Bruise Healing
Several steps can help support the body’s natural healing process. Immediately after the bruise occurs, applying a cold compress for 15-20 minutes can help reduce swelling and limit further blood leakage. After 24 to 48 hours, switching to a warm compress can promote blood flow to the area, aiding in the reabsorption of the trapped blood.
Elevating the bruised area, if practical, can help reduce swelling by promoting fluid drainage. Gentle massage around the bruise, once initial tenderness subsides, may also increase blood circulation and assist in clearing the pooled blood. Staying well-hydrated can support healing. Some over-the-counter creams containing arnica or vitamin K are believed to help reduce bruising.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Most suction bruises are harmless and resolve on their own, but certain signs warrant medical attention. It is advisable to consult a healthcare provider if a bruise is accompanied by severe pain, significant swelling, or numbness. Medical advice should also be sought if a bruise does not show signs of fading or appears to worsen after two weeks.
Unexplained bruising that occurs frequently or easily, without a clear cause, should also be evaluated by a professional. Additionally, signs of infection, such as increasing redness, warmth, pus, or fever around the bruise, indicate a need for prompt medical assessment.