What Is a Bruised Vein and How Should It Be Treated?

When veins tear, a bruise develops. The Mayo Clinic states that a simple scrape or fall can cause bruising, even if the skin is not torn; the harder the blow, the larger the bruise. Bruised veins heal naturally, though resting and applying ice to the bruised area help speed the healing process. Compression wraps and elevating the bruised area also stimulate healing.
According to WebMD, two natural remedies for bruises are witch hazel and arnica. Applying the products to the bruised area throughout the day helps heal damaged veins and reduces the appearance of the bruise. The color of a bruise changes as it heals. Bruises are often initially purple and then fade to red and yellow over the course of two to four weeks. The chances of bruising increase with age due to skin becoming thinner and losing its elasticity.
The Mayo Clinic states that using aspirin reduces blood’s ability to blot and may increase the time needed for a bruise to heal. Women are more likely to bruise than men, and bruising does not indicate a serious medical problem. Women are especially easily bruised on areas where fat is stored, such as the thighs and buttocks. WebMD recommends contacting a medical professional if a bruise lasts longer than four weeks or signs of a skin infection develop.