Bruises go through a cycle of colors, usually starting out as black or blue, and then turning reddish, and then, eventually, greenish or yellowish before they fade completely.

This is related to the breakdown of hemoglobin, which is responsible for giving blood its red color.

As the hemoglobin breaks down, it separates into its component parts. Two of the components are bilirubin and biliverdin.

Bilirubin gives the skin its reddish color at the site of bruising, and biliverdin is responsible for the greenish/yellowish color at the site of the bruise.

The best way to treat a bruise, or a bruise in the making? Ice- lots and lots of it.

Applying ice to the site of a bruise causing injury will diminish swelling and will decrease the rate of bleeding under the skin.

This will decrease the size of the bruise that ultimately forms- and, in some cases, will prevent bruising all together.