Why is it that itching occurs as a bruise clears up?
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Sarita1 Goes Bollywood
ANSWERS: 2
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My thoughts.. A bruise is the result of blood that has entered the tissue from small blood vessals that were ruptured by an impact. At first the bruise is red/purple then as the body breaks down the blood it turns green & yellow. At this time the body is generating histamines that cause itching. Taking an over counter antihistamine probably would reduce the itching. You can also take a hot shower. The hot shower will cause a rapid release of histamines. After the shower there will be a period relief because there are no histamines left to cause itching.
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An antihistamine will not work on an itchy bruise, as the itching is NOT created from an allergic reaction. The best thing you can do is keep the area moisturized with a good lotion (Aveeno works well). Do not use hot water, as that will increase the blood flow from your capillaries and cause you to itch more. Instead, take a cool bath with two crushed up aspirin. This will take a bit of the itch away. Most importantly, do not scratch the area. This can cause an infection.
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