Q&A for How to Heal a Hematoma at Home

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What should I do if my hematoma is inflamed and swollen?

Jonas DeMuro, MD
Board Certified Critical Care Surgeon
Dr. DeMuro is a board certified Pediatric Critical Care Surgeon in New York. He received his MD from Stony Brook University School of Medicine in 1996. He completed his fellowship in Surgical Critical Care at North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System and was a previous American College of Surgeons (ACS) Fellow.

Jonas DeMuro, MD

Board Certified Critical Care Surgeon

Expert Answer

When a hematoma has inflammation, and swelling as you describe, it raises the concern that it has become infected. This needs to be examined by a physician to be determined if it needs to be drained and treated with an antibiotic.

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Question

If I have a hematoma and it burst and is healing, what is the white substance I have noticed?

Jonas DeMuro, MD
Board Certified Critical Care Surgeon
Dr. DeMuro is a board certified Pediatric Critical Care Surgeon in New York. He received his MD from Stony Brook University School of Medicine in 1996. He completed his fellowship in Surgical Critical Care at North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System and was a previous American College of Surgeons (ACS) Fellow.

Jonas DeMuro, MD

Board Certified Critical Care Surgeon

Expert Answer

The hematoma may have burst from a secondary infection. The white substance is most likely purulence from the infection. The wound should be assessed by a physician to determine if an antibiotic is needed, or if the wound should be debrided.

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Question

Can I fly within 24 hours of a leg hematoma?

Marsha Durkin, RN
Registered Nurse
Marsha Durkin is a Registered Nurse based in Waukegan, Illinois. With over 15 years of professional experience, she works both as a nurse and a Laboratory Information Specialist for Insight Hospital and Medical Center. Marsha received her Associate's Degree in Nursing from Olney Central College in 1987.

Marsha Durkin, RN

Registered Nurse

Expert Answer

Ask your doctor about whether it is okay to fly. It depends on the size and type of hematoma.

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Question

Can I apply warm compresses to a subdural hematoma that is 3 weeks old?

Marsha Durkin, RN
Registered Nurse
Marsha Durkin is a Registered Nurse based in Waukegan, Illinois. With over 15 years of professional experience, she works both as a nurse and a Laboratory Information Specialist for Insight Hospital and Medical Center. Marsha received her Associate's Degree in Nursing from Olney Central College in 1987.

Marsha Durkin, RN

Registered Nurse

Expert Answer

Yes, after 48 hours you can apply a warm compress, but you should see a doctor if it is taking this long to heal. After 2 weeks a hematoma should be almost healed.

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