# apply cold or heat to bruised areas?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apply-cold-or-heat-to-bruised-areas/226926>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [January 31, 2004, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apply-cold-or-heat-to-bruised-areas/226926 "2004-01-31T16:51:14Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Headcoat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/6bbea6/32.png) [@Headcoat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Headcoat)\
**Post date:** [January 31, 2004, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apply-cold-or-heat-to-bruised-areas/226926/1 "2004-01-31T16:51:14Z")

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So what’s better for swollen, bruised injuries? An ice pack or hot towel? I hear conflicting testimonials on the benefits of either method.

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**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\
**Post date:** [January 31, 2004, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apply-cold-or-heat-to-bruised-areas/226926/2 "2004-01-31T18:08:30Z")

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Cold is best for the first few hours after an injury: it contracts blood vessels and minimizes swelling, which while helpful, can be too much of a good thing.

After 24 hours, it really doesn’t matter much. Use whichever makes it feel better.

After a few days, heat is usually better, as it increases blood flow into the area, which helps remove cellular debris left over from bruising in the area.

QtM, MD

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**Author:** ![Headcoat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/6bbea6/32.png) [@Headcoat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Headcoat)\
**Post date:** [January 31, 2004, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apply-cold-or-heat-to-bruised-areas/226926/3 "2004-01-31T18:59:09Z")

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Makes sense. Thanks, doc! (typing with swollen hand)