Contents Part 1: Treating Hematoma at Home 1. Treat with R.I.C.E. method. 2. Let the limb with hematoma rest still. 3. In the first 48 hours, apply cold compresses to the affected area several times a day for 20 minutes each time. 4. Apply pressure to the hematoma area to reduce swelling. 5. Elevate the affected area. 6. Take over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatories. 7. Wait patiently for a few months and the hematoma will subside. A hematoma is bleeding caused by a rupture of a blood vessel or vein. Unlike other bruises, it is often accompanied by significant swelling. The severity of a hematoma depends entirely on its location, and some hematomas may need to be drained by a doctor or take a long time to heal. If a hematoma occurs on the head or around internal organs, seek medical attention immediately and do not treat it at home. Subcutaneous hematomas in the arms and legs should be treated at home only after consulting a health care practitioner to ensure that no other complications arise.
Part 1: Treating Hematoma at Home
1. Treat with R.I.C.E. method. R.I.C.E. is the abbreviation for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. If you want to treat hematomas on your arms and legs at home, you can use these methods, but they need to be done every day for best results. Treating hematoma with R.I.C.E. when it first appears can achieve the best recovery and healing results.
2. Let the limb with hematoma rest still. Be sure to let the affected area rest for the first 24-72 hours after a hematoma occurs. This prevents increased bleeding and allows the affected area to heal. Some doctors will let the lower limb where the hematoma occurs, such as the leg, rest for at least 48 hours. The length of rest depends on the severity of the hematoma.
3. In the first 48 hours, apply cold compresses to the affected area several times a day for 20 minutes each time. Wrap an ice pack in a towel and place it on the affected limb. You can also use ice cubes to massage the affected limb. This reduces the pain and swelling caused by the hematoma. If you use ice cubes for massage, first fill a foam cup with water, then place it in the freezer of the refrigerator. After it freezes, place a piece of cloth or paper towel on the affected limb, and then put the ice cubes on it.
Never place ice cubes or ice packs directly on the skin as this increases the risk of thermal burns or frostbite.
After the first 48 hours, you can use a heating pad or hot towel two to three times a day to help the body reabsorb the lost blood.
4. Apply pressure and bandage to the hematoma area to reduce swelling. Cover the hematoma with a compression band or elastic compression bandage to make it look less swollen. Compression tape or elastic compression bandage can be purchased at your local pharmacy. Keep the affected area compressed for at least two to seven days. Make sure the compression bandage fits the affected area snugly but does not block blood circulation to the limb.
If blood circulation is blocked, it will cause throbbing pain or skin color changes in the affected area, such as the skin turning dark purple or lackluster.
5. Elevate the affected area. This helps reduce pain and swelling. Use a chair or pillow to elevate the affected limb above heart level.
6. Take over-the-counter painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs. These medications can relieve pain and swelling as the hematoma heals. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) is a very effective pain reliever and anti-inflammatory drug. Follow the dosage instructions on the medicine bottle and do not take more than 2 pills at one time. Take once every 4-6 hours.
Naproxen sodium (Aleve) is also an anti-inflammatory drug. Take once every 12 hours as needed to relieve pain and swelling.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is an effective pain reliever that can be used to relieve any discomfort or pain.
If you have a bleeding disorder, avoid taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin, because these drugs can interfere with platelets and prolong bleeding.
7. Wait patiently for a few months and the hematoma will subside. If a hematoma occurs in an arm, leg, or hand, you should persist with home treatments and wait patiently for the blood to be reabsorbed back into the body. After a few months, the hematoma should resolve on its own and the pain should disappear.