Facial contusion

The face is a business card of any person, and each of its flaws is not only an external defect, but also an emotional state of a person. When we like ourselves externally, we feel “beautiful” inside. A facial bruise is a whole complex of reasons for dissatisfaction with oneself: external flaws, pain, physical and psychological health.

Many people say that appearance is not the most important thing. Perhaps these people do not understand that there is a facial bruise in the world that really does interfere with life. And, besides, we all want to be beautiful and be with beautiful people (sometimes we keep it a secret so as not to offend others).

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Causes of facial contusion

What are the causes of facial contusion? It is clear that facial contusion will not appear out of nowhere, as it is a phenomenon acquired as a result of mechanical impact, that is, trauma: a fall or a blow. And here, many immediately think: either a drunk fell down the stairs, or the husband was raising his wife. Of course, such options are not excluded, but there are a number of household and industrial injuries, for example, we are all living people, and therefore, each of us can stumble or trip.

A facial bruise is not necessarily a "black eye"; it can involve the jaw, cheekbones, nose, forehead, eyes, chin.

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Symptoms of a facial contusion

Facial contusion is characterized by clinical symptoms, which include: swelling, pain, dysfunction, hemorrhage.

• the first characteristic sign is pain. It appears immediately after the injury. The pain may intensify after an hour or three. The increase in pain depends on the appearance of edema or hematoma;
• "swollen face" or swelling at the site of the injury is an almost instantaneous phenomenon. During palpation, a painful compaction is detected that has no clear boundaries and affects healthy tissues. Swelling mainly occurs in the period from an hour to a day after the injury. After which inflammatory changes and traumatic edema are already noticeable;
• The bruise is explained by the fact that the skin and subcutaneous tissue are saturated with spilled blood. It is impossible to say exactly how soon a bruise can form, since the depth of the hemorrhage can affect the speed of its development. If the skin or subcutaneous tissue is injured, then a bruise may appear in the first minutes, sometimes hours. If we are talking about muscles, then a bruise can appear even on the third day, and far from the area of the bruise itself. Late bruises, especially those located far from the area of the bruise, as this is a serious sign that requires a thorough examination, for example, an X-ray, to exclude the possibility of cracks or bone fracture. As for the color characteristics, the bruise is initially red, after 5 - 6 days it turns green, and then turns yellow. This process is due to the breakdown of hemoglobin. Thanks to this, you can determine when the facial bruise occurred.

Contusion of soft tissues of the face

Contusion of the face, or more precisely its soft tissues, is expressed by severe swelling and hemorrhages in the tissues - this is explained by the large blood supply to the facial tissues and a lot of fatty tissue.

In this case, a facial contusion necessarily manifests itself as hematomas and is easily determined by palpation. Swelling and hemorrhages that arose as a result of the injury may be accompanied by damage to the skull bones on the face or teeth, or even the entire jaw.

Diagnosis of suspected soft tissue contusion of the face is made based on the results of anamnesis, palpation, examination of skin tissues and oral cavity. If there is a possibility that in addition to the contusion, a bone fracture is also possible, then an X-ray is taken.

Let's take a closer look at bruises of the soft tissues of the face. It is already clear that the skin or mucous membrane, the integrity of which is damaged, is a sign that the soft tissues are damaged. In addition to the fact that swelling and hemorrhages are present on the face, there is also an additional feature: a significant divergence of the edges of the wound. This phenomenon is purely visual in nature, since it can be called an "optical illusion" provoked as a result of reflex contractions of the facial muscles.

The soft tissues of the face also include the lips; for example, if the lower lip is injured, strong salivation may occur, which leads to maceration of the skin of the neck and chin.

In soft tissue injuries to the face, the branches of the facial nerve, the parotid salivary gland or its excretory duct are often affected.

A facial contusion may be complicated by bleeding, shock, and asphyxia. It is possible that at the moment of injury or a blow to the face, the tongue swells, and if it falls inward, dislocation or obstructive asphyxia may occur.

Bruises of the soft tissues of the face, which are directly related to the oral cavity, can influence the development of inflammatory complications:

• abscess,
• wound suppuration,
• phlegmon.

What are the symptoms of bruises of the soft tissues of the face?

1. Gaping wound with bleeding.
2. Pain accompanied by difficulty opening the mouth, let alone eating or speaking.
3. Difficulty breathing.

What determines the degree of complexity of the post-traumatic process?

Naturally, first of all, from the size (depth, length) and location of the wound. Also of great importance in this situation are the accompanying complications: blood loss, asphyxia, shock, etc.

Shock is diagnosed based on sudden changes in the skin, such as pallor. There is also a weak pulse, low blood pressure, and a slowed down consciousness.

As for asphyxia, in this case the skin and mucous membrane become bluish; shortness of breath appears; and foamy sputum is released from the mouth.

With profuse blood loss, the victim becomes pale, his consciousness is confused (often loss of consciousness), blood pressure drops and the pulse is weakly palpable.

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Severe facial contusion

A severe facial contusion is, of course, no joke. And its consequences can be absolutely different, for example, shock, asphyxia, scars (temporary and permanent), disability (if the injury affected the eye or optic nerve, then loss of vision is possible) and even death.

A severe facial contusion may be accompanied by various symptoms depending on the severity of the injury or blow. In this case, a person may either lose consciousness or "throw" from side to side. But, be that as it may, the victim should be given first aid and an ambulance should be called.

In addition, it is very important to remember at this moment about the psychological factor: a person in this situation, in addition to pain, experiences fear, and if he sees panic in the faces of others, his fear will increase, which affects intracranial and arterial pressure, heartbeat, etc. Therefore, it is very important to remain calm or at least pretend that nothing particularly terrible has happened.

Child's facial contusion

Bruises and other injuries in the chin area can lead to damage to the ligamentous apparatus. In this case, any movements of the lower jaw provoke pain in the child - one of the reasons for suspecting a fracture of the condylar process. To clarify the diagnosis, an X-ray examination is mandatory.

A child's facial contusion is characterized by the same causes and symptoms as an adult. But let's not forget that children experience pain caused by trauma with great fear, especially if it is accompanied by blood.

In addition, a child's facial contusion is serious because the child cannot always explain what exactly hurts and how. From a biological point of view, cell division in children occurs somewhat differently than in adults, since a child's body is a growing organism. Accordingly, the processes responsible for the natural development of the skin and muscle parts of the face may be disrupted. But there is a small, but positive side: scars on children heal faster and better than on adults.

However, during periods of screaming or crying, children may develop laryngospasm or may have breathing problems.

In children, first aid is emergency. Whatever the conditions or environment, the child should be sitting or lying face down. Then the child should be turned on his side for ease of emptying the oral cavity of the contents. The contents are removed by any safe means: a cotton swab or a hand. It happens that such actions are ineffective, and intubation is performed; tracheotomy is not recommended.

But, no matter what happens, the most important thing is not to panic, but to provide first aid in a timely manner (and not lose consciousness or become hysterical, like some mothers) and call an ambulance.

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First aid for facial bruises

A facial contusion, regardless of its severity, requires emergency care. But how to provide it depends on the seriousness of the situation. So,

• contusion of soft tissues of the face. A bandage is applied, but not tightly. Ice is also applied to the site of injury,
• the fluctuation is eliminated with a syringe to avoid suppuration of blood in the hematoma,
• profuse bleeding. It is necessary to apply an aseptic bandage to the damaged area. In this situation, the bandage is applied tightly to limit the flow of blood. If it is necessary to stop the bleeding from the vessels, then this should be done by pressing the vessel with a finger,
• Asphyxia should be prevented in the following way: the victim is placed on his side face down. Foreign objects are removed from the mouth: blood clots and other contents.

A facial contusion, like any other injury, should not be limited to first aid. Professional medical examination and treatment are mandatory.

Treatment of facial contusion

Of course, a facial contusion should be treated in a hospital, and not undergo “online diagnostics”, and do not listen to the advice of forum members, who usually say: “I had the same thing… I did this and that…”. A contusion is not the same as a contusion. A contusion can be a regular “bruise” or, as they say, “nothing serious”, or nerve endings or other elements of the face responsible for the normal functions of certain organs of the face may be affected: ears, eyes, jaw, and so on. The only correct solution in this situation is hospitalization. However, if the contusions are not accompanied by bone injuries, then hospitalization is not necessary, but medical intervention and diagnostics should be at the proper level, since blood loss, traumatic shock, etc. are possible here.

Facial contusions are usually examined and treated in the maxillofacial department.

Ointment for facial bruises

A facial bruise can be treated with various ointments that promote rapid healing, relieve swelling, hematomas, and so on.

Today, the most popular ointments are "Rescuer" for adults and "Healer" for children. The rating of these drugs took the leading position because the cost of the ointments is inexpensive, and the effect significantly exceeds their price.

"Rescuer". It contains: beeswax, sea buckthorn oil, milk proteins. Considering its contents, it is already obvious that "Rescuer" has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and regenerative effects (by the way, it can be used not only for bruises, but also for burns, sprains and even purulent lesions!).

Let's look at the contraindications right away:

• the first, as always, is hypersensitivity to the components contained in the drug,
• trophic ulcers,
• chronic wounds.

Attention! During the treatment with the ointment "Rescuer", other ointments, creams, balms and other topical preparations should not be used.

Now let's move on to the methods of application. A small amount of ointment is applied to the damaged area. If necessary, a bandage can be applied. As soon as the ointment, initially applied, dries, the rescuer should be applied again.

Side effects, which include skin allergic reactions, are possible, but not inevitable.

There are no recorded cases of overdoses.

"Healer" - children's cream-balm instantly eliminates pain and is an excellent antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent. Methods of application, of course, external and local.

In addition, there are other ointments, for example, Fastum Gel, Ferbedon.

A facial contusion requires more than just treatment with ointments, especially if the situation is serious. In such cases, a comprehensive treatment is selected.

How to treat a bruise on the face?

In order to treat something, you first need to make a diagnosis.

Often, a facial contusion occurs in combination with a craniocerebral injury, during which an X-ray of the skull is prescribed, and palpation of the bones of the face and skull is performed. The question of the importance of a tetanus vaccination is also decided here.

Before seeking medical help, remove dirt from the face with a gauze napkin, which is pre-soaked in a weak solution of potassium permanganate or furacilin. But this is not necessary.

In case of abrasions or scratches, resort to local antiseptics: iodine or brilliant green.

If the soft tissues of the face are damaged, then only the edges of the wounds are treated independently.

Possible bruises can be treated with local ice packs or special ointments such as "Rescuer", "Dolobene-gel", "Declofenac", etc. Regarding the cold compress: it only makes sense for the first 30 minutes after the injury.

A serious facial injury can cause bleeding or a colorless fluid leak from the ear, bruises around the eyes, vomiting, convulsions, loss of consciousness. But these are already symptoms close to a traumatic brain injury. In some cases, we are talking about a few minutes, so no amateur action, only an ambulance.

In medical treatment, the doctor himself prescribes therapy, which includes: ointments, lotions, dry compresses. Sometimes physiotherapy is also possible.

Treatment of facial bruises with folk methods

• a compress based on cottage cheese is applied to the sore spot. The cottage cheese should be changed twice a day,
• rubbing:
  • undiluted arnica infusion for severe skin damage. If the bruise is minor, the proportions are: 1:10, where 1 is the solution and 10 is water,
  • camphor alcohol is rubbed in for several minutes 2-5 times a day until complete healing,
  • A decoction of wild rosemary flowers is rubbed in twice a day.

Treatment of facial soft tissue contusion

Facial contusion and damage to soft tissues of the face require special vigilance, since there may be other injuries: fractures, ruptures, etc.

If soft tissue injuries to the face occur at the time of the injury, then tension on the skin should be avoided when applying the stitches. Only if necessary should skin immobilization be performed to more correctly connect the edges of the wound. Particular care is required when it is necessary to connect the edges of wounds in the area of the lips, nose, eyelids, eyebrows and auricles.

If skin defects due to injuries are clearly visible, then it is impossible to apply sutures without tension, and plastic surgeries are performed irrationally; in order to reduce the volume of a possible scar, plate sutures are applied.

If we talk about the surgical method of fixing bone elements, then mini-plates, micro-plates, screws are needed - indicated at an older age.

Facial contusion, namely its soft tissues, are treated on a planned basis in a hospital. If the treatment concerns the child's health, then conservative treatment is carried out in a hospital setting: sanitation, orthodontic therapy.

Prevention of facial contusion

Frankly, there are no ways to protect yourself from injuries at all, including facial contusion. We are all living people, and we can be inattentive or careless. Even if you put a helmet on your head, there is no guarantee that some emergency will not happen that has to do with the safety of your face.

The only thing that can be said is that possible injuries should be avoided, both at work and at home. As for children: do not leave a child alone even for a minute where there are “corners”, cupboards with glass, household items (which can injure), with a spoon in hand, and so on. And, as for children, there should always be medicines at hand: ointments, tablets; bandages. They are children, they will always find an adventure for themselves.

If a facial contusion has already occurred, then in order to prevent the formation of bruises and swelling, it is necessary to apply a cold compress; to prevent other problems, it is necessary to do an ultrasound of the hematoma and an X-ray of the head.