Bruising or discoloration after a nose injury

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Bruising or discoloration after a nose injury

Bruises are small torn blood vessels under the skin, most often caused by a bump or a fall. Blood seeps into tissues, causing the black-and-blue color. Most bruises go away within 2 to 4 weeks. Home treatment is usually all that is needed.

Bruising or discoloration can be more serious when it develops within 30 minutes of the injury. This can occur with a severe bruise or a broken bone in the nose or other face, such as a broken cheekbone. Bruising behind an ear is called "Battle's sign." Bruising around both eyes is called raccoon eyes. Bruising in these areas that is not caused by a direct injury may be a symptom of a skull fracture.

Nose or facial injuries are more serious whey they occur in people who have conditions or take medications that interfere with blood clotting. Bruising may be more severe or cover a larger area. There is an increased chance of bleeding in injured joints or bones.

Your health professional can evaluate your bruising and discoloration and treat any underlying cause.

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Author	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Charles M. Myer, III, MD - Otolaryngology
Last Updated	April 20, 2007

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Last updated:	April 20, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Charles M. Myer, III, MD - Otolaryngology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer

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