my bruise itches

[mlejoy]

ok i know this sounds retarded....

but i have a couple big bruises on my leg (from where i fell down the stairs 2 weeks ago) and they itch like mad - i can hardly stand it.

i've scratched my leg raw today from it.

i put some hydrocortizone cream on it and that seems to have helped some....

anyway i've never had an itchy bruise before..ever hear of that happening? or is it some weird coincidence that my leg itches in the exact spots where the bruises are ?

[Pebbles2]

swears by arnica ointment for bruising and it should help thewith the itching too.

I won't ask HOW u managed to fall down stairs.....


Pebs

[mlejoy]

what is arnica and where can i get it???????

and falling down the stairs... how it happened is actually less embarassing than admitting that it happened!

the steps leading up to my apartment are concrete - it was raining outside - the steps were wet - i was wearing little treadless sandals running down the stairs... and that was that!

[Pebbles2]

arnica is a homeopathic remedy. Here you can get it in any health shop or pharmacy.

I have concrete steps leading up to my house, I guess I betbetter watch my step!!


Pebs

[crying-charlie]

Arnica (Arnica montana

Arnica is also commonly called leopard's bane. The arnica plant has a bright yellow, daisy-like flower that blooms around July. Preparations made from the flowering heads have been used in homeopathic medicine for hundreds of years. It is popular in Germany and over 100 drug preparations are made from the plant. Arnica is a perennial that is protected in parts of Europe.
The active components in arnica are sesquiterpene lactones, which are known to reduce inflammation and decrease pain. Other active principals are thymol (an essential oil), flavonoids, inulin, carotenoids and tannins.

Arnica works by stimulating the activity of white blood cells that perform much of the digestion of congested blood, and by dispersing trapped, disorganized fluids from bumped and bruised tissue, joints and muscles.

Arnica is known to stimulate blood circulation and can raise blood pressure, especially in the coronary arteries. The plant is used externally for arthritis, burns, ulcers, eczema and acne. It has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities that can reduce pain and swelling, improving wound healing.

Part Used: Extract of the blossoms

Common use: It is typically rubbed on the skin to soothe and heal bruises, sprains, and relieve irritations from trauma, arthritis and muscle or cartilage pain. Applied as a salve, arnica is also good for chapped lips, irritated nostrils and acne.

Care: Grows in moist, sandy soil with adequate drainage. Likes full sun.

Toxicity: The internal use of Arnica is not suggested. It can cause vomiting, weakness, increased heart rate and nervous disturbances.

[jacobitedreamer]

Dandelion and hamamelis put in cold water overnight. This makes wounds heal quickly and eases this terrible itching. Also helps with insect bites.

DOCTOR!
Willie