Why Do Some Bruises Have a White Center? Learn About Bruise Healing

Why Do Some Bruises Have a White Center?

Bruises are a common minor injury that most people experience from time to time. They occur when an impact breaks small blood vessels under the skin, allowing blood to leak into the surrounding tissues. This causes the reddish-purple discoloration that is characteristic of a fresh bruise.

Sometimes, however, bruises can develop a strange white or yellowish coloration in the center or middle of the bruised area. This phenomenon leaves many people confused about what causes this unique bruise appearance and whether it requires medical treatment.

What Causes the White Center in a Bruise?

The white or yellowish color at the center of a bruise is caused by the normal healing process of the injury. Here is what happens:

• When a blood vessel breaks from an impact, blood leaks out into the tissues.
• Initially this blood is bright red, causing the reddish color of a fresh bruise.
• Over the next few days, enzymes in the body start breaking down the blood cells and hemoglobin proteins.
• This causes the bruise to change to a purple, blue or even black coloration.
• As the bruise continues to heal, the body reabsorbs the broken down blood cells and waste products.
• The area where the most blood initially pooled now lacks these blood cell pigments, so it takes on a lighter color than the rest of the bruise.

In essence, the white center occurs because blood is removed from the injury site as the bruise heals. This leaves behind the paler color of the underlying skin and tissues.

What Does the White Center of a Bruise Mean?

In most cases, a bruise with a white center is a normal part of the healing process and is no cause for concern. It simply indicates the following:

• The impact that caused the bruise was hard enough to break blood vessels and lead to blood pooling in the tissues.
• The body is now reabsorbing the leaked blood and waste products as the bruise starts to heal.
• The tissues in the deepest part of the bruise, where blood initially pooled, now lack pigment as the blood is removed.
• This creates the lighter white or yellow coloration in the middle of the bruise.

So in summary, a white center in a bruise just shows that the injury is progressing through the typical healing stages.

When to See a Doctor

In most cases a bruise with a white center is not a cause for concern. However, there are some situations when it’s a good idea to consult a doctor:

• The bruise seems to be growing larger or changing shape.
• The white center develops any redness, warmth or pain.
• You are taking blood thinning medications like warfarin or aspirin.
• You have a bleeding disorder or take immunosuppressant drugs.
• You have no memory of how the bruise occurred.

Any of these factors make complications more likely, so it’s best to get the bruise examined.

Treatment for Bruises With White Centers

In most cases, bruises with white centers do not require any specific treatment. The body will reabsorb the blood and waste products on its own time. However, you can help speed up healing and reduce pain/swelling with the following tips:

• Rest the bruised area to avoid further injury.
• Apply ice packs for 10-15 minutes several times per day.
• Use over-the-counter pain medication if needed.
• Keep the bruised area elevated above heart level when possible.
• Gently massage the bruise to encourage circulation.
• Consume foods rich in vitamin C and bioflavonoids to support collagen production.
• Use topical arnica cream which may reduce bruise swelling and discoloration.

With proper self-care, most bruises with a white center will heal within 1-2 weeks. The white coloration itself is not indicative of any problem.

What Insect Made These Bites?

Getting bitten or stung by an insect or bug is a common annoyance in the warmer months. Some bites are merely itchy and irritating, while others can cause significant reactions. Knowing what insect or bug is responsible for a bite or sting will help guide proper treatment.

Here are some tips for identifying 13 common bug bites based on their appearance and location on the body:

1. Mosquito Bites

• Look like small, red, itchy bumps on the skin
• Usually appear in clusters or groups of bites
• Found on exposed skin like arms, legs, face, and feet
• Swelling and irritation can last a few days

2. Tick Bites

• Appear as small red bumps, sometimes with a small puncture point in the center
• Often found in hairy, warm areas like the groin, armpits, and scalp
• May notice tick still embedded in skin
• Can transmit diseases like Lyme disease

3. Bed Bug Bites

• Look like clusters of small, red, swollen bumps or welts
• Often appear in zigzag lines or clusters
• Usually found on exposed skin like neck, arms, or trunk
• Very itchy and may bleed from scratching

4. Flea Bites

• Appear as small red bumps, sometimes with a red "halo" around them
• Often occur in groups of multiples bites
• Commonly found around ankles or legs
• Extremely itchy due to flea saliva

5. Chigger Bites

• Look like red welts or pimples
• Often appear in clusters around waistband, underwear line, etc
• May notice intense itching
• Bites disappear after 1-2 weeks

6. Lice Bites

• Small red bumps or hives all over infested areas
• Most commonly found on neck, scalp, groin, or underarms
• Notice tiny grayish bugs or eggs (nits) in hair
• Significant itching is common

7. Scabies Bites

• Look like red pimple-like bumps or blisters
• Often appear between fingers, on wrists, in armpits or groin
• Burrows may be visible on the skin
• Intense itching, worse at night

8. Spider Bites

• Appear as small puncture wound or raised bump
• Often have two fang marks visible
• Redness, swelling, pain may grow over hours
• Found anywhere on body

9. Bee, Wasp, Hornet Stings

• Instant, sharp burning pain when stung
• Raised, red bump with pointed puncture in the center
• Swelling, redness spreads from site
• May notice stinger still in skin

10. Fire Ant Bites

• Often feel like a burning sensation immediately
• Small red bumps develop into itchy white pustules
• Bites may blister, break open, and ooze
• Found anywhere on body

11. Kissing Bug Bites

• Painless red bumps that later turn into open sores
• Often bite around mouth or eyes
• Can transmit Chagas disease
• Most active at night

12. Centipede/Millipede Bites

• Immediate burning pain
• Bites turn into red, swollen bumps
• May notice two puncture marks
• Found anywhere on body

13. Mite Bites

• Look like small red bumps or welts
• Intensely itchy
• Found in clusters on the body
• Common on face, neck, underarms, groin

Being able to identify the insect responsible for a bite or sting is important for getting proper treatment. Some require medical care, while others can be managed at home. Signs of infection like oozing, redness and swelling also indicate a need to see a doctor.

How to Treat Bug Bite Reactions

Most bug bites and stings cause minor reactions like itching, redness, and mild swelling. These can be treated easily at home. But some people may experience more severe reactions and need medical care. Here is how to manage different bug bite reactions:

Mild Reactions

Most bug bites lead to minor irritation and discomfort. Here is how to treat them:

• Wash the bite with soap and water to remove saliva or venom
• Apply a cold pack to reduce swelling and itching
• Use over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream and antihistamines
• Avoid scratching as this can cause infection
• Monitor for signs of infection like oozing, increasing swelling, redness

Delayed Reactions

Some bites, like those from ticks and spiders, may not show reactions for several hours or days later. Monitor for these signs of delayed reactions:

• Fever, chills, body aches, fatigue
• Worsening skin redness, rash, hives
• Joint swelling or pain
• Shortness of breath, chest pain, wheezing
• Nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain

See a doctor right away if delayed reactions develop after a bite.

Severe Reactions

Some people may experience a severe allergic reaction to venom and saliva from stinging insects. Seek emergency care for these signs of anaphylaxis:

• Swelling or hives spreading across body
• Constriction in throat or trouble breathing
• Rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, fainting
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
• Dizziness, confusion or loss of consciousness

An epinephrine injection is needed right away for severe reactions.

Infected Bites

Bacteria can enter the skin through bites, causing cellulitis or abscesses. See a doctor for:

• Increasing redness, swelling, pain at bite site
• Red streaking from bite
• Pus or fluid drainage from bite
• Fever, flu-like illness

Antibiotics are needed to treat infected bites. Keep the wound clean until it heals.

While most bug bites are just a nuisance, some can become dangerous without proper treatment. See a doctor if reactions are severe or infection develops.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.