Hematoma
A hematoma is a collection of blood trapped outside of a blood vessel. It's what we think of as a bruise or a contusion. It's often seen under the skin as a black and blue spot on your arm or leg, or a bump on your head after an injury. It can be almost anywhere on or in your body. It can also occur in an internal organ, which may become more serious. An auricular hematoma is a collection of blood within the (outer ear). This typically occurs due to blunt trauma, such as during sports activities.
A hematoma is caused by an injury with damage to small blood vessels. This causes blood to leak into the tissues. Blood forms a pocket under the skin that swells and looks like a purplish patch. Hematomas sometimes form under the skin from bleeding during childbirth and can be particularly serious. Other serious forms of hematoma may occur after a fall or trauma to the head, called subdural or epidural hematomas. These require immediate medical treatment.
Gradually the blood in the hematoma is absorbed back into the body. The swelling and pain of the hematoma will go away. This takes from 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the size of the hematoma. The skin over the hematoma may turn bluish then brown and yellow as the blood is dissolved and absorbed. Usually, this takes only a couple of weeks but can last months.
Home care
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Limit motion of the joints near the hematoma. If the hematoma is large and painful, avoid sports and other vigorous physical activity until the swelling and pain go away.
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Apply an ice pack over the injured area for 20 minutes every 1 to 2 hours the first day. Continue with ice packs 3 to 4 times a day for the next 2 days. To make an ice pack, put ice cubes in a plastic bag that seals at the top. Wrap the bag in a thin towel or cloth. Don’t put ice or an ice pack directly on the skin. Continue the use of ice packs to ease pain and swelling as needed.
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Take acetaminophen for pain relief, unless you were given a different pain medicine to use. Talk with your provider before using this medicine if you:
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Have chronic liver or kidney disease.
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Have had a stomach ulcer or digestive tract bleeding.
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Are taking blood-thinner medicines.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your health care provider as advised. If X-rays or imaging scans, such as a CT scan or an MRI scan, were done, you'll be informed of the results and any findings that may affect your care.
When to get medical advice
Contact your health care provider or seek medical care right away if you have:
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Redness around the hematoma.
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An increase in pain or warmth in the hematoma.
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An increase in the size of the hematoma.
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A fever of 100.4ºF (38ºC) or higher, or as directed by your provider.
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The hematoma is on the arm or leg. If so, watch for:
Online Medical Reviewer:
Marianne Fraser MSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Rita Sather RN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Sravani Chintapalli
Date Last Reviewed:
1/1/2025
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