A bruise forms when a blow breaks small blood vessels near your skin's surface, allowing a small amount of blood to leak out into the tissues under your skin. The trapped blood appears as a black-and-blue mark. Sometimes, there also are tiny red dots or red splotches.

If your skin isn't broken, you don't need a bandage. You can, however, enhance healing with these simple techniques:

• Elevate the injured area.
• Apply ice or a cold pack for 30 to 60 minutes at a time for a day or two after the injury.
   

You should see a doctor if:

• You have unusually large or painful bruises — particularly if your bruises seem to develop for no known reasons.

• You bruise easily and you're experiencing abnormal bleeding elsewhere, such as from your nose or gums, or you notice burst blood vessels or blood in your eyes, or also if you are passing blood.

• You have no history of bruising, but suddenly experience bruises.

These signs and symptoms may indicate a more serious problem, such as a blood-clotting problem or blood-related disease. Bruises accompanied by persistent pain or headache also may indicate a more serious underlying illness and require medical attention.