What is Hematoma

Hematoma is a collection of blood. A hematoma can happen:

• Under the skin.
• In an organ.
• In a body space.
• In a joint space.
• In other tissues.

The blood can clot to form a lump that you can see and feel. The lump is often hard and may become sore and tender. Most hematomas get better in a few days to weeks. However, some hematomas may be serious and require medical care. Hematomas can range from very small to very large.

Follow these instructions at home:

Managing pain, stiffness, and swelling

• If directed, apply ice to the affected area:
  • Put ice in a plastic bag.
  • Place a towel between your skin and the bag.
  • Leave the ice on for 20 minutes, 2–3 times a day for the first couple of days.
• After applying ice for a couple of days, you may place warm compresses. Do this as told by your doctor. Remove the heat if your skin turns bright red. This is especially important if you cannot feel pain, heat, or cold. You have a greater risk of getting burned.
• Raise (elevate) the affected area above the level of your heart while you are sitting or lying down.
• Wrap the affected area with an elastic bandage, if told by your doctor. Make sure the bandage is not wrapped too tightly.
• If your hematoma is on a leg and is painful, your doctor may suggest crutches. Use the crutches as told by your doctor.

General instructions

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your doctor. This is important.

Contact a doctor if:

• You have a fever.
• The swelling or bruising gets worse.
• You develop more hematomas.

Get help right away if:

• Your pain gets worse.
• Your pain is not controlled with medicine.
• The skin over the hematoma breaks or starts bleeding.
• Your hematoma is in your chest or belly (abdomen), and you:
  • Pass out.
  • Feel weak.
  • Become short of breath.
• You have a hematoma on your scalp that is caused by a fall or injury, and you:
  • Have a headache that gets worse.
  • Become less alert or pass out.

Summary

• Hematomas can happen in different parts of your body.
• Most hematomas get better in a few days to weeks. Some may require medical care.
• Contact a doctor if the swelling or bruising gets worse.