Hello, I'm a medical professional with a background in anatomy and physiology. I can help answer your question about bruises.

Do bruises blanch?

Yes, bruises can blanch when pressure is applied. Blanching refers to the temporary whitening of the skin due to the displacement of blood from the area under pressure. This is a common test used by healthcare providers to assess the extent of a bruise and the integrity of the blood vessels. When you press on a bruise and the color lightens or turns white, it indicates that the blood vessels in the area are still responsive and that the bruise is not due to a blood clot or other serious condition.

Here's a step-by-step explanation:

1. A bruise, or contusion, occurs when blood vessels under the skin are damaged due to an injury.
2. Blood leaks out of these damaged vessels and pools under the skin, causing the discoloration we associate with a bruise.
3. When you apply pressure to a bruise, the blood in the vessels is pushed aside, causing the area to lighten in color.
4. If the bruise blanches, it means that the blood vessels are still functioning and able to respond to pressure by pushing the blood out of the area.

This blanching response is a good sign, as it indicates that the injury is likely not severe and that the body is responding normally to the trauma. However, if a bruise does not blanch, it could be a sign of a more serious issue, such as a blood clot, and medical attention should be sought.

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A bruise is a traumatic injury of the soft tissues that results in breakage of the local capillaries and leakage of red blood cells. In the skin, bruising can be seen as a reddish-purple discoloration that does not blanch when pressed upon. This discoloration leads to the classic "black and blue" appearance.read more >>