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Bruises can be unappealing and uncomfortable, primarily when they are located in visible regions. While bruises are common, they can be agonizing and take a long time to heal.
The good news is many therapies can be done to support the healing of bruises and to minimize their appearance.
One such well-known remedy is the use of toothpaste on bruises to get rid of them. This is because of the many helpful ingredients in toothpaste such as hydroxide and bicarbonate.
Some specialists explain how toothpaste application provides a cooling sensation that reduces the sense of pain and assists in disrupting the clot on the bruise, enabling better flow of blood.
Few users have, in fact, reported a significant change in bruise appearance after using toothpaste once on their bruise.
However, you may have to try this remedy at least a few times before expecting your bruise to entirely disappear. Experts also add that using toothpaste on bruises will not aggravate the condition or cause blisters.
This article will talk about how to get rid of bruises with one simple household item, which is toothpaste. Read on to find out.
The Science Behind Toothpaste: How Does It Work?
Toothpaste contains a few helpful ingredients that are believed to help decrease the impression of bruises. These include hydrogen peroxide and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda).
Hydrogen peroxide and sodium bicarbonate solutions are commonly employed in medications to tidy up and disinfect wounds that carry pus. They function as a potent cleaning agent that extracts the pus and prevents infections. (1)
Research has demonstrated that a combination of water, hydrogen peroxide, and sodium hydrocarbonate can lighten bruises (also known as hematomas).
When this mixture is injected under the skin, it readily lightens the bruise by reacting with the proteins and fats in the blood, triggering them to break down. This reaction makes the bruise appear much fainter. Also, applying heat to the region can help accelerate the healing process. (2)
Another component in toothpaste that is suggested to be useful for bruises is menthol because of its cooling properties. (3)
Expert opinions on using toothpaste on bruises
Dermatologists claim that there is no scientific proof to advocate the use of toothpaste for bruises.
Some experts also say that toothpaste may not be a very dependable or efficacious cure for bruises even though some toothpaste ingredients, such as baking soda and menthol, may have some usefulness in bruise management.
How to Apply Toothpaste on Bruises
To help you on your quest to free yourself from the hold of unappealing bruises, follow these simple steps:
- Clean the bruised area with soapy water. Do it gently without rubbing your skin too aggressively.
- Take a very little quantity of unflavored white toothpaste on your finger, a pea-sized amount is more than sufficient. Carefully apply this to the bruised region and massage very gently.
- Let the toothpaste sit on your bruise for 10 minutes.
- Wash away the toothpaste from your skin and let the bruised area dry.
- Repeat twice a day for a few days till the bruise is gone.
Other Home Remedies for Bruises
In addition to using toothpaste, you can try many other home remedies that may reduce bruises.
1. Apply arnica cream to the affected area
A home remedy for bruises is using arnica. A study revealed that a cream with 20% arnica alleviated bruising better than a plain cream with no active ingredients. In fact, it was also a better choice than a cream with some amounts of vitamin K. (4)
Simply take a tiny quantity of the cream on your fingers and then gently pat it onto the bruised area.
2. Use vitamin K products on bruises
A research study found that people who used a gel with vitamin K after a cosmetic procedure had minor bruising compared to those who did nothing about it. (5)
Many vitamin K-containing topical products can be purchased without a prescription and can help with bruising. When choosing one, go for a product that has vitamin K listed as one of the primary ingredients.
3. Rub ice on the bruises
One of the home remedies for bruising is using ice. Applying ice to the bruised region can help decrease swelling and inflammation, which can help lessen the impression of the bruise.
Note: Make sure to wrap the ice in a towel or other fabric before applying it to the skin.
When to Seek a Doctor
While most bruises are not serious and heal on their own, there are some cases where you should pursue medical help.
If you have a bruise that is accompanied by intense pain, you experience difficulty moving the affected limb, or the bruise is not getting better even after a few days, it is crucial to see a physician.
Additionally, if you are encountering unexplained bruising or bruising that arises repeatedly without a known reason, visit a doctor at once as it may be an indication of a serious medical problem.
Most-Asked Questions
Is it safe to use toothpaste on bruises?
Yes, it is generally safe to use toothpaste on bruises.
Can toothpaste help reduce the appearance of bruises quickly?
While toothpaste may help decrease the impression of bruises, it is not a quick fix. It may take many days or even weeks for the bruise to entirely heal.
Can using toothpaste on bruises cause side effects?
Toothpaste is usually safe to use on bruises and should not cause any side effects. However, if you encounter any reddening, itchiness, or irritation in the area after using toothpaste, you should halt its application and see a doctor.
Can toothpaste prevent bruises from forming?
No, toothpaste cannot prevent bruises from forming.
Can I use any type of toothpaste on bruises?
While most types of toothpaste should be safe to use on bruises, it is best to use plain white toothpaste without added colors or flavors.
Final Word
Bruises can be painful and can take a long time to heal. Toothpaste that contains ingredients such as baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and menthol may help reduce the appearance of bruises, but there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.
If a bruise is accompanied by severe pain or difficulty moving the affected limb or it is not healing after a few days, medical attention should be sought.
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