Letter B

Bruise

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A <B>bruise</B> or '<B>contusion</B>' is an traumatic injury of the soft tissues which results in breakage of the local capillaries and leakage of red blood cells.

In the skin it can be seen as a reddish-purple discoloration that does not blanch when pressed upon.

When a bruise fades it becomes green and brown as the body metabolizes the blood cells in the skin.

It is best treated with local application of a cold pack immediately after injury.

Also called a contusion

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