Natural health: How can I heal a stubborn bruise on my face?

Irish Examiner

25-07-2025

I tripped on an uneven path about three months ago and cut the side of my face.
While the scars have healed and the pain has gone, the bruising on my cheekbone is still there, though a little lighter.
Is there a cream or remedy I could use to help it fade?
I'm glad to hear that the scars have healed well and you are no longer in pain. Bruising can take some time to heal, particularly when the tissue trauma is quite deep.
Two of my favourite remedies to support deep tissue trauma are Arnica montana and Bellis perennis in their homoeopathic form.
Traumeel is a product that combines the healing benefits of these two remedies with other supportive homeopathics for bruising, wound healing, and trauma.
The product is available as oral drops (30ml) as well as a topical cream (50g) with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Both can be purchased online or in health stores, costing €15.95 each.
If you are looking for herbal topical preparations rather than homoeopathic formulations, then try arnica balm or cream for bruising, but keep in mind that it should not be applied to broken skin.
For future reference, here are some beneficial herbal remedies to have on hand for injuries, bumps, and scrapes: St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is very effective in wound healing and to prevent infection, calendula (Calendula officinalis) soothes and heals, and comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is well known for repairing bone and tissue when applied as a balm, cream, or poultice to sprains, strains, and fractures.
One other, more unusual, topical treatment for persistent bruising is to apply a haemorrhoid or varicose vein preparation. Venaforce by A Vogel is an excellent option to help bruising dissipate more rapidly when it is slow to clear.
The skin on the soles of my feet is heavily calloused in places. I've tried filing it down, but it always grows back.
Wearing sandals during the summer doesn't help as the air exposure seems to toughen the calluses. What would you recommend?
Since the calluses continue to grow back, it is worth examining the type of shoes you wear and possibly getting your walking gait assessed to determine if this is contributing to the issue.
A podiatrist will not only help with a gait assessment, but can also help to remove the calluses and advise on ways in which you can maintain your feet at home more easily.
Many podiatrists recommend using a chiropody sponge. While the name 'sponge' is somewhat misleading (they are indeed porous, but very hard), these are often far more effective than a file device or pumice stone.
The 'sponge' is designed to be used together with soap — simply wet the sponge and then rub soap on one side of it, and use it as you would a file or pumice stone on the calloused areas.
You can use it daily as part of your shower routine to gently scrub the soles of your feet and make them a little softer.
However, the real results occur when you give your feet a good, long soak first. Try using a footbath of warm water to which a cup of apple cider vinegar has been added, to help the hardened skin soften and shed more easily.
Soak your feet in this solution for at least 30 minutes (or up to an hour) every night, if possible, then use the chiropody sponge. If the smell of vinegar puts you off, then stick to plain warm water.
You may also want to consider using a balm or salve nightly to help soften and heal your feet.
Wear a pair of cotton socks over the freshly soaked and prepared feet and leave the balm on overnight.
NOTE: The information contained in this column is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a doctor.