Moretones

Moretones is a term commonly used in Spanish-speaking contexts to denote bruises or contusions. A moretone refers to bleeding underneath the skin that occurs after blunt trauma to soft tissue, without an open wound. Bruising can also be influenced by medical conditions that affect blood clotting or by certain medications.

Cause and mechanism: Moretones arise when small blood vessels (capillaries) are damaged, allowing blood to leak into surrounding tissue. This leakage produces the visible discoloration and tenderness associated with a bruise. The body gradually reabsorbs the pooled blood over time, while the color change reflects the breakdown of blood components.

Color progression and healing: Fresh bruises usually appear red or purple, then darken to blue or brownish tones. Over days to weeks, colors shift to greenish and yellow as the blood is broken down and reabsorbed. Most minor bruises heal within one to two weeks; larger bruises or those in older adults may take longer.

Diagnosis and when to seek care: In most cases bruising is diagnosed by history and examination. Seek medical attention for bruises that occur without an obvious injury, are unusually large or painful, keep spreading, or are accompanied by fever, swelling, or shortness of breath. Frequent or easy bruising, or bruising after minor bumps, may warrant evaluation for possible clotting disorders, medication effects, or other health issues.

Treatment and prevention: Initial care often includes rest, elevation, and cold compresses during the first 24 to 48 hours to reduce swelling, followed by warm compresses to promote reabsorption. Pain can be managed with acetaminophen; use caution with NSAIDs if there is a bleeding risk. Protection and addressing underlying risk factors can help prevent recurrence.