Skin under eye discolored

[john62283]

Hi I suffered a sports injury in late August of last year, and ended up getting a big hematoma under my left eye. I was advised to rub this vigorously to aid with the healing process, and the hematoma went away but now there is an area under my eye that is discolored from the rubbing. It has been 4 months since the injury, and though it has gotten a little better, I feel like it has not improved in a while. Though I was told it should go away within 2-6 months,  I am Indian, and I heard that problems like this can take longer for people with darker complexions. Do injuries like this normally heal or should I look into other options to help my skin turn back to its normal color, and if so, what?

[john62283]

Thanks doctor, but wouldnt I notice a bump or something like that if it was a hematoma? could it possibly be anything else?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The blood under the skin which causes the discoloration of bruising should be totally reabsorbed by the body in three weeks or less.

In your case, as the symptoms are persisting for more than 4 months, so it may be due to formation of hematoma because of blood trapped in tissues. This blood may need to be drained. I would suggest you to get it evaluated from a general surgeon. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.