Subcutaneous hematomas occur due to external impacts such as blows, falls or bumps. Post-traumatic hematomas usually heal on their own after a few days to weeks, changing color several times (red, blue, black, green, yellow). Which therapies help and what should be considered?
(ag) There are several behavioral measures and medicinal or herbal remedies that provide relief for hematomas. Before any therapy, coagulation disorders (hemophilia, medication) must be clarified so that progression of the hematoma can be prevented.
PECH: The first thing to do is to follow the PECH rule: Rest (immobilize), ice (cool the area), compression (e.g. with bandage), elevation of the affected body parts. Immobilization and elevation result in less blood escaping and thus the hematoma does not spread further or at least slower. Cooling and compression cause blood vessels that supply the blood to contract.
Conservative treatment methods: A small post-traumatic hematoma can be treated conservatively, e.g. with heparin ointment or cooling compresses. Analgesics are helpful for pain relief. In progressive forms or in peripheral circulatory disturbances and nerve deficits, rapid hematoma relief and intralesional hemostasis are necessary [1].
Phytotherapeutics: For blunt injuries such as hematomas, phyto-externals are also effective. Preparations from arnica flowers have antiphlogistic, resorptive, hyperemic and analgesic effects. Furthermore, topicals with comfrey, camphor, moist-hot hay flower compresses, dressings with St. John’s wort oil, peppermint oil and horse chestnut seed preparations can be considered. In principle, the combination of different plant extracts is useful [2].
Literature:
- Hirner A, Weise K: Surgery. Thieme Verlag, 2004.
- Force K: Treat bruises and hematomas herbal. Journal of Phytotherapy 2010; 31: 93-94.
HAUSARZT PRAXIS 2014; 9(5): 6
