May also be called: Bruise A contusion (kun-TOO-zhun), or bruise, of the face, scalp, or neck is an injury to the skin and underlying tissue in those areas. More to Know A contusion, or bruise, forms when soft tissue in the body is crushed but the skin doesn't break. When this happens, blood from broken capillaries (small blood vessels) near the skin's surface may leak out under the skin. With no place to go, the blood gets trapped, often forming a red or purplish mark that hurts when you touch it. As a contusion heals, it may turn different colors, from red and purple to black and blue and then to green, yellow, and light brown before fading away. Keep in Mind Because head injuries can be serious, contusions to the face, scalp, or neck should be evaluated by your doctor. Applying a cold compress to a contusion may help minimize swelling and bruising. Seek medical attention if a contusion doesn't heal or continues to be painful. All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts. Back to Articles Related Articles A to Z: Contusion (Bruise), Eye Learn more about black eyes and contusions (bruises) of the eye. Read More A to Z: Contusion (Bruise), Eyelid Learn more about black eyes and eyelid contusions in children. Read More Word! Bruise When you bang a part of your body against something, your skin might turn different colors where you bumped it. Read More Sports Medicine Center Get tips on everything from finding the best sport for your kids to preventing and handling injuries. Read More Bruises This article is all about bruises, including why they happen, how to make them go away faster, and why they turn all those funny colors. Read More First Aid: Head Injuries Learn about the different types of head injuries, and find out what to do if your child is seriously injuried. Read More Sports Center This site has tips on things like preparing for a new season, handling sports pressure, staying motivated, and dealing with injuries. Read More Head Injuries Head injuries can be external or internal. Learn more about both kinds, how to prevent them, and what to do if your child is injured. Read More Concussions In a concussion, the brain shifts inside the skull. This can cause a sudden - but usually temporary - disruption in a person's ability to function properly and feel well. Here's what to do if you suspect a concussion. Read More Concussions Concussions are serious injuries that can be even more serious if kids don't get the time and rest needed to heal them completely. Read More What's a Bruise? Have you ever had a bruise that turned a bunch of different colors before it went away? Find out why in this article for kids. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.