Winter’s slips and falls can cause considerable bruising. This is more of an issue in adults as we age. See our Natural Health tips below for battling your bruises this winter!

What Causes a Bruise?

When small blood vessels under the surface of the skin tear or rupture, bruises (also known as contusions) develop. The black-and-blue color is caused by blood from damaged blood vessels deep beneath the skin that collects near the surface. Bruises usually heal within 2 to 4 weeks. As they heal they often turn colors, including purplish black, reddish blue, or yellowish green.

Interesting Bruise Facts:

•    Older adults often bruise more easily from minor injuries because their skin is less flexible and thinner leading to blood vessels breaking more easily.

•    Women bruise more easily than men (especially on the buttocks, thighs, and upper arms.

•    A leg bruise usually takes longer to heal than a bruise on the face or arms.

•    Bruising easily sometimes runs in families.

Bruise Healing Tips:

If your bruise does not require an evaluation by a health professional, you may be able to use home treatment to help relieve pain, swelling, discoloration and stiffness. A good first step is to follow the R.I.C.E. principle: Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. Then don't forget to apply natural source bruise fighting ingredients: Arnica, Witch Hazel and Menthol. Did you know that WebMD® recommends Arnica and Witch Hazel as natural ingredients for home treatment of bruises?

How the Ingredients Work:

•  The arnica plant, contain sesquiterpene lactones, which assist in healing of bruises by: decreasing swelling, speeding blood reabsorption and decreasing pain.

•  The leaves of the witch hazel plant, has tannins that give it its astringent properties. It eases bruising by tightening stretched veins and restoring blood vessel tone.

•  Menthol, derived from peppermint oil, has local anaesthetic and counterirritant qualities. It provides soothing cooling relief to bruised areas.

Have you tried Zax's Original Bruise Cream®?

It's a unique blend of 3 natural ingredients: Arnica, Witch Hazel and Menthol in a soothing cream, that works better than anything we have tried for bruising. It has been pharmacist developed specifically with bruises in mind. This Canadian made product is the only one on the market that contains these 3 proven and effective ingredients.

Who is it For? How do I use it?

Zax's Original Bruise Cream® is ideal for those who are active or bruise easily or frequently. It is complementary to treatment with rest, elevation, ice and compression. For best results, massage gently onto affected area, 3 times daily, as soon as bruise-related injury occurs. Continue using until bruise disappears, up to a maximum of 7 days.

Always read and follow the label to make sure that the product is right for you. Check with your Doctor if a bruise lasts longer than 4 weeks, signs of infection develop, symptoms become more severe or frequent, or if new symptoms develop.

Zax's Original Bruise Cream® (MSRP $17.99) is available at the larger Rexall® and Pharmaplus® stores and is on sale in December for $1.00 off.

Visit www.zaxhealth.com for more information or to read about our other products, Zax’s Original Heelspur Cream and Zax’s Original Darkspot Cream.

Copyright © 2009 Zax Healthcare Inc.