Bruises

Bruises look alarming — that vivid colour is just blood that pooled under the skin. It's almost always harmless and it will fade.

For children:

Step 4 — Warm compress after 48 hours: Children bruise easily and bounce back fast. Most childhood bruises need just ice and comfort.

Steps

1
Ice immediately
Wrap ice or a cold pack in a cloth — never directly on skin. Apply for 15 to 20 minutes as soon as possible.
Tip: Arnica gel or cream applied right away can visibly speed up the fading — a good addition to your kit.
2
Elevate if on a limb
Raise the bruised limb above heart level in the first few hours. This limits blood pooling and reduces swelling.
3
Rest the area for 24 hours
Avoid strenuous use of the bruised muscle or joint. Light movement is fine — just no heavy impact.
4
Warm compress after 48 hours
After the first two days, switch to a warm pack for 15 minutes a few times daily. Warmth helps the blood reabsorb.
5
Pain relief
Ibuprofen helps with pain and swelling. Avoid aspirin — it thins the blood and can worsen bruising.
Important: See a doctor for: bruise after any head injury, unusually large or severe bruise with no known cause, bruising that doesn't fade in 2 weeks, or if you're on blood thinners.

Kit

Guidance only — in any emergency, call 911.