A bump or bruise (no open wound) - Adults

Infants (Ages 0–2)Children (Ages 3–17)Adults (Ages 10–74)Seniors (Ages 75 and Older)

What it is

Bumps and bruises can be caused by an impact or a fall. The skin isn’t broken, but there is an injury underneath. If the impact wasn’t hard, a small bruise may appear. If the impact was harder, there could be a big bump or some blood under the skin. It could be painful, and possibly swollen, red, or hot, for a few days. Symptoms usually decrease after 3 days.

What you can do at home

What to do

Keep the injured area elevated, unless:
- the injured body part doesn’t look right (possible fracture) → do not move it;
- the injury is to the neck → do not move the person;
You can apply ice to the injured area for 15 to 20 minutes, every two hours, for 48 hours after the impact. This helps reduce both swelling and pain. Do not do this if you have circulatory issues.
As of the third day, apply heat to the injured area for 20 to 30 minutes, 4 times a day. Do not do this if you have circulatory or coagulation issues, or if you have applied an analgesic gel.
If you are in pain, you can take acetaminophen (Tylenol) if there are no contraindications. Ask for advice at the pharmacy.

Avoid

The injured body part doesn’t look right (possible fracture) → do not move it;
The injury is to the neck → do not move the person;
Do not massage the injured area.

When to seek medical attention

If you have any of these signs:

limited movement or mobility;
a large bruise (hematoma) by the ear;
a deformation;
a neck injury;

signs of infection, despite treatment:

increasing pain;
leaking pus;
redness or swelling that worsens after 72 hours.

Call 811, Option 1, to speak with a nurse, or contact a healthcare professional (pharmacist, doctor, nurse practitioner), if any of the above applies.

️When to go to the hospital right away

You are in a lot of pain and the injured body part is deformed.

You have worsening pain, numbness, weakness in the injured area, or loss of sensation.

Your heart is beating very quickly or you have palpitations.

You have a fever and shivers.

You feel very weak or very tired.

You have difficulty breathing.

Your skin is pale, moist, and cold.

Your injury is the result of violence.

You have signs of an infection at the injury site that are quickly worsening: redness, swelling, intense pain.

Need help?

Call Info-Santé at 811, Option 1, to speak with a nurse at any time.  

Go to the pharmacy for advice on medications or treatment.  

Make an appointment at your medical clinic or CLSC.  

If you do not have a family doctor, go to https://gap.soinsvirtuels.gouv.qc.ca/en or call 811, Option 3.   

A bump or bruise (no open wound) - Adults

What it is

What you can do at home

When to seek medical attention

️When to go to the hospital right away

Need help?

See also

Gastroenteritis

Superficial Wound