Considerations Direct pressure will stop most external bleeding.
Bruises usually result from a blow or a fall.
They are dark, discolored areas on the skin. Apply a cool compress to the area as soon as possible to reduce swelling . Do not put ice directly on the skin. Instead, wrap the ice in a towel and place the towel on or around the injury for 10 minutes. The amount of blood is not a good way to judge the severity of an injury.