15/11/2025
A bruise evolves from red to purplish-black, then to green, and finally fades to yellow and brown as the body breaks down and reabsorbs leaked blood. The color changes are due to the breakdown of hemoglobin in the blood, which changes its chemical structure and color over about two weeks. The exact timing can vary, and the color may also appear differently on darker skin tones.
Stages of a bruise's evolution
Initial stage (0-2 days): The bruise appears red or pink as oxygen-rich blood leaks from broken blood vessels and pools under the skin. On darker skin, it may look purplish or dark initially.
Blue/Purple/Black stage (1-2 days): The blood starts to lose oxygen, and hemoglobin is broken down. This causes the bruise to appear bluish-purple or black.
Green/Yellow stage (5-10 days): The hemoglobin continues to break down into other compounds, like biliverdin and bilirubin, which are green and yellow.
Brown/Yellow stage (10-14 days): The bruise turns yellowish-brown or light brown as the final stages of breakdown occur.
Disappearing: The bruise fades and disappears completely, usually within two weeks.
What causes the color change?
The color change is a natural part of the body's healing process as it reabsorbs the blood.
The colors are caused by different forms of hemoglobin breakdown products. As hemoglobin (which carries oxygen) is broken down, it is converted into other molecules, each with a different color.
For example, the green and yellow colors are due to compounds called biliverdin and bilirubin, which are produced when the body breaks down hemoglobin.
When to see a doctor
If a bruise is very large, painful, or doesn't seem to be healing within two weeks, it is best to consult a doctor.
A bruise that doesn't heal properly could indicate an underlying medical condition.
