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How Should Bruising On The Cheek After A Fall Be Treated?
Question: My wife fell on the sidewall 10 days ago and bruised her cheek quite badly. An MRI revealed no fracture but she has developed a stubbornly hard 'knot' on her cheek that is not going down. She applied ice to the area for the first 3 days or so, then began to alternate hot and cold packs to see if she could get the contusion to reduce in size and firmness, but she is discouraged with the results so far. Do you have any advice? Our e-mail address is YYYY@YYYY . Thank you.
Brief Answer:
May take more than 10 days, but will improve eventually.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Given the normal MRI and if there are no other symptoms such as throbbing pain or increasingly warm and red skin (which might indicate an infected fluid collection) I wouldn't worry. It is true that most swelling subsides in 10 days but it may take longer than that depending on individual inflammation reaction, it may take up to a month. I am afraid there are no medications for that apart from time. Cold packs are not useful after the first 2 days, afterwards it is hot ones which might help somewhat.
As for discoloration if due to skin abrasion I am afraid that can take even longer. That is because she has lost the superficial pigmented cells and the new cells lack pigmentation initially. The pigmentation process takes several weeks and even months. Steroid containing creams are used at times but the benefit is not much, again I am afraid time is the best remedy. What is important though is to use sun screen lotions as these cells lacking pigmentation are much more vulnerable to sun light and it can increase the damage.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
May take more than 10 days, but will improve eventually.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Given the normal MRI and if there are no other symptoms such as throbbing pain or increasingly warm and red skin (which might indicate an infected fluid collection) I wouldn't worry. It is true that most swelling subsides in 10 days but it may take longer than that depending on individual inflammation reaction, it may take up to a month. I am afraid there are no medications for that apart from time. Cold packs are not useful after the first 2 days, afterwards it is hot ones which might help somewhat.
As for discoloration if due to skin abrasion I am afraid that can take even longer. That is because she has lost the superficial pigmented cells and the new cells lack pigmentation initially. The pigmentation process takes several weeks and even months. Steroid containing creams are used at times but the benefit is not much, again I am afraid time is the best remedy. What is important though is to use sun screen lotions as these cells lacking pigmentation are much more vulnerable to sun light and it can increase the damage.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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