Bruises cause a discoloration of the skin, turning the skin bluish in color.
You can apply ice to the bruise for the swelling. If you fall on your head and injure it severely, the bruise is considered a contusion. Contusions of the legs usually require you to put your leg up, or use a pair of crutches while the leg heals. Abrasions, which are scrapes, are areas of the skin that have had the skin scraped off. Scrapes should be cleaned with hydrogen peroxide and then an antibiotic cream applied with a bandage for at least the first day to aid in healing.