Hematomas

Hematomas: Causes, Prevention & Treatment

A hematoma is a collection of blood that accumulates outside of the blood vessels, typically in the form of a swelling or lump. In medical terms, it is known as localized accumulation of blood, generally clotted, resulting from a broken blood vessel. Hematomas can be caused by a number of different factors, including trauma, infection, disease, or medical procedures.

Causes

• Trauma: Trauma to the body can cause blood vessels to burst, resulting in a hematoma. This could include sports injuries, car accidents, and falls.
• Infection: Certain infections have been known to cause hematomas, which can lead to swelling and localized pain.
• Disease: Certain medical conditions can affect the body's ability to contain and repair blood vessels, making them vulnerable to rupture, and potentially causing a hematoma.
• Medical procedures: Medical procedures, including injections and surgery can sometimes lead to a hematoma.

Prevention

The risk of hematomas can be reduced by following good safety and health practices. If you are participating in sports or any activity that could cause trauma to the body, you should wear protective gear. Additionally, it is important to practice good hygiene to reduce the risk of infection. And if you are having any medical procedures, be sure to talk to your doctor about what you can do to protect yourself.

Treatment

In many cases, a hematoma will heal on its own over time. However, if the hematoma is large or is painful or inflamed, a doctor may need to drain it. This can be done using a needle or surgical procedure. After the draining is complete, a doctor may prescribe medication, such as antibiotics, analgesics, or anti-inflammatories, and will likely recommend using a compression wrap to reduce swelling and promote healing.