Or are five in a dark black, and five in a slightly darker black

Often, they are a surface injury that requires no medical attention, and people can treat them at home.īut, in some cases, a person may want to seek medical attention for their bruising. Most bruises will disappear without treatment within about 2 weeks.īruises are not typically something to cause undue worry. After 10–14 days, it will turn to a shade of yellowish-brown or light brown.įinally, once the bruise has turned a light brown, it will begin to fade.These colors come from compounds called biliverdin and bilirubin that the body produces when it breaks down hemoglobin. In about 5–10 days, it turns a yellow or green color.A bruise that is a few days old will often appear blue, purple, or even black. After around 1–2 days, the blood begins to lose oxygen and change color.It often starts red because fresh, oxygen-rich blood has newly pooled underneath the skin.Those with medium skin tones had more red and yellow to their bruises, while darker skin tones displayed darker bruises.ĭuring the healing process, a bruise will usually go through the following colors: However, skin color affects the appearance of a bruise. This is a regular part of the healing process. As the body heals and breaks down the hemoglobin, or compound that gives blood its red color, the bruise will change in color.

A person may be able to estimate how old a bruise is from the color.

Or are five in a dark black, and five in a slightly darker black