Bruises

1916

A bruise, or contusion, is caused by a blow or by strong compression of the soft tissues. It is an actual wound of the subcutaneous tissues, and is less serious than an open wound only because the unbroken skin usually prevents it from being infected. That does not mean that pus never forms in a bruise, for the blood can carry infection, and if germs lodge in the lacerated tissues they will cause inflammation.

The first result of a severe bruise is pain; next comes swelling and discoloration. That is owing to the escape of blood from the torn vessels, and it is usually more marked where the tissues are loose; that is why a "black eye" often follows a blow that would leave no mark on the chest or back.

The pain of a bruise is best relieved by sponging with very hot water or hot fomentations; sometimes an electric-light bulb will give enough warmth to relieve moderate pain. The hemorrhage, which is the cause of the swelling and discoloration, can be reduced by applying pressure at once over the injured part. Fold a handkerchief or napkin so as to make a smooth pad and keep it firmly in place by a bandage or by a towel tightly pinned. When you cannot make a pad work well, hot water may arrest the bleeding and prevent discoloration.

Ice-cold applications have the same effect, and they are better than hot ones for a black eye. It is a good plan also to compress a bruise under the eye by a mass of cotton or soft cloths — or by the traditional raw beefsteak.

If the pain of a bruise persists and there are signs of beginning inflammation, apply cooling lotions, such as lead and opium wash, salt and diluted vinegar, equal parts of alcohol and water or extract of witch-hazel. Arnica is often used, but it is better to try something else, for it sometimes causes a rash or even gives rise to symptoms of general poisoning. If the inflammation persists and an abscess forms, the surgeon must be called.

—The Fryeburg Post, Fryeburg, Maine, Sept. 26, 1916, p. 4.

Note: Please note, this information is from 1916. When I read about "lead and opium wash," to me that signals crazy danger and something you should not do. Times change, science advances. So if you have a bruise, by all means, take care of it by up-to-date methods and don't rely on what they suggested in 1916. Of course, if "lead and opium wash" is still what they currently prescribe, I'm sorry, I've just never heard of it. But somehow I doubt it!