Summary about Disease
A hematoma is a localized collection of blood outside of blood vessels, usually in clotted form, within a tissue, organ, or space. It's essentially a bruise but can vary in size and severity. Hematomas can occur due to trauma, surgery, or underlying medical conditions affecting blood clotting.
Symptoms
Pain in the affected area
Swelling
Discoloration of the skin (initially red or purple, progressing to blue, green, and yellow as it heals)
Tenderness to the touch
Possible restricted movement if the hematoma is near a joint or muscle
In severe cases, pressure on nerves or organs leading to numbness, tingling, or dysfunction.
Causes
Trauma (blunt force, falls, injuries)
Surgery
Medications that affect blood clotting (e.g., anticoagulants)
Bleeding disorders (e.g., hemophilia)
Aneurysms or weakened blood vessel walls
Injections (e.g., intramuscular injections)
Vitamin deficiencies (e.g., vitamin K or C)
Medicine Used
Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help manage pain.
Topical creams: Creams containing vitamin K or arnica may help reduce bruising and inflammation.
Anticoagulants: In some instances, anticoagulants may be prescribed to prevent further blood clots, however, use requires careful consideration in existing hematoma cases.
Infection treatment: Antibiotics are given in the rare case the hematoma becomes infected.
Is Communicable
No, a hematoma is not communicable. It is not caused by an infectious agent and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
Rest and elevate the affected area.
Apply ice packs to reduce swelling and pain (for the first 24-48 hours).
Avoid activities that may worsen the hematoma.
If taking blood thinners, discuss with your doctor about dosage adjustments.
Seek medical attention if the hematoma is large, painful, rapidly expanding, or associated with other concerning symptoms (e.g., fever, numbness).
How long does an outbreak last?
Hematomas are not outbreaks, and rather are injuries or condition which typically resolve over a period of days to weeks, depending on the size, location, and cause. Small hematomas may resolve in a few days, while larger ones can take several weeks or even months.
How is it diagnosed?
Physical Examination: A doctor can usually diagnose a hematoma based on its appearance and location.
Medical History: Asking questions regarding medications that may cause bleeding.
Imaging:
Ultrasound: Used to visualize the hematoma and assess its size and location.
CT Scan or MRI: May be necessary for deeper or more complex hematomas to rule out other underlying issues.
Blood Tests: To assess bleeding disorders or clotting abnormalities, especially if hematomas occur frequently or without obvious cause.
Timeline of Symptoms
Immediately after injury: Sharp pain, swelling, and redness may be present.
Within hours: Discoloration begins (red/purple), swelling increases.
1-2 days: Bruise deepens in color (blue/black).
Several days to weeks: Bruise gradually fades (green/yellow/brown) as the blood is reabsorbed. Pain and swelling subside.
Weeks to months (large hematomas): Complete resolution may take longer, with gradual fading of discoloration and resolution of any residual symptoms.
Important Considerations
Compartment Syndrome: In rare cases, a hematoma within a confined space (e.g., a muscle compartment) can lead to increased pressure, causing compartment syndrome, which requires immediate medical attention.
Infection: Although uncommon, hematomas can become infected, leading to pain, redness, warmth, and pus.
Underlying Conditions: Recurrent or spontaneous hematomas may indicate an underlying bleeding disorder or other medical condition that needs to be addressed.
Medication Interactions: Be aware of potential interactions between medications (especially blood thinners) and herbal supplements that can increase bleeding risk. Consult your physician before taking any new supplements.