Hematoma: This is a contained area where blood has accumulated, or clotted, in an organ or tissue. They can occur most anywhere on the body. With minor injuries, the hematoma or blood is absorbed unless an infection develops. Contusions also known as bruises and black eyes are two forms of hematoma that are familiar to almost everyone.

Types that are even less serious comprise “subungual hematoma” which are under toenails or fingernails, “hematoma auris” which is blood in the outer ear tissues, referred to as cauliflower ear, and “perianal hematomas” which are under the skin surrounding the anus.

With fractures almost always hematomas are present. They especially are serious if they occur inside of the skull, where they put pressure on the brain, normal subdural or epidural hematomas.

Hematomas that develop intracranially need immediate medical attention that is very specialized.

For contusions or just plain bruises, treatment consists of putting ice or cold packs on these a few times a day, to produce vasoconstriction which causes reduction in flow of arterial blood and aids to lessening bleeding as well as edema or swelling.

Generally, the faster an individual applies ice after injury has occurred, the less bleeding will develop.

If possible, raise the limb that is bruised. This will cause any blood to leave the wound as well as reduce any swelling.

If the area still hurts after approximately 48 hours, then apply some gentle heat with towels that are warm, a hot water bottle or a heating pad. This heat should be applied for about 20 minutes each time to promote repair and absorption. Heat causes swelling and will increase fluid in the tissues, which can impair function, so any hot therapy needs to be followed by applications of cold in order to reduce these secondary problems caused by heat.