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Massive bruise days before going on holiday ☹️

27 replies

CitationNeeded · 18/09/2026 21:49

I have a giant bruise (approx 15cm diameter I reckon) on the back of my thigh. I go away on Thursday for a long weekend- beach, sun lounger etc.

I know it’s silly, but I’m so upset. It’s because I’m on anticoagulant medication, it’s a possible haematoma (?) as it appeared from nowhere on Monday with a lump. Dr says it’s healing but could take weeks.

It is huge and black/purple. I’d bought a new bikini an everything. Now not sure I can bring myself to even wear shorts. I feel like wearing long dresses and trousers the whole time 🙁.

I don’t do make up really- but if eyeliner and mascara. Camouflage make up seems really complicated (and expensive).

OP posts:
owlpassport · 18/09/2026 21:59

I do pole fitness and I'm constantly covered in bruises! It wouldn't even occur to me to care, although I understand if there's a medical reason you may feel self conscious. But I also have a port wine stain on my face, and if I can go makeup free on holidays you can get your legs out!

Sunnywalker · 18/09/2026 22:01

Nothing but solidarity!Two days into my holiday at I received a black eye from a tantruming toddler. No way I can hide that! Try some arnica cream ?

CitationNeeded · 18/09/2026 22:02

owlpassport · 18/09/2026 21:59

I do pole fitness and I'm constantly covered in bruises! It wouldn't even occur to me to care, although I understand if there's a medical reason you may feel self conscious. But I also have a port wine stain on my face, and if I can go makeup free on holidays you can get your legs out!

You are rights im not sure why it’s bothering me so much. Had a lot of stuff going on in life and genuinely not someone that usually cares about stuff like this.

OP posts:
NewDogOwner · 18/09/2026 22:35

There is a great, cheap covers everything waterproof foundation called Dermal that you could get on Amazon. It will cover this.

CitationNeeded · 18/09/2026 23:16

Im so pale, not sure I have the skills I don’t even wear foundation on my face!

I think I’m just fed up of being constantly covered in bruises and scratches (as I bleed more). I wanted to feel beautiful and it is so awful looking. People will definitely look at it. It’s enormous and black.

It’s such a pathetic thing to be bothered by.

OP posts:
Bumcake · 18/09/2026 23:20

Can you wear a sarong with the swimwear?

SeaToSki · 18/09/2026 23:23

Try some tinted moisturizer, you just slap it on, there is no technique to it. You can even get some tinted sunscreen.

Ponderingwindow · 18/09/2026 23:23

Eventually you learn to just not notice people looking anymore unless someone says something.

Cordeliasdemonbabies · 19/09/2026 10:51

I am constantly visibly injured due to my sport. I have just learned to roll with it and make sure to explain why so people don't think my partner is battering me.

theneighbourgotmycake · 19/09/2026 10:56

I am always covered in bruises and scratches too, and I have a few scarves that feel rather big. Never even thought it would make me any less attractive.

Genuinely! I was absolutely distraught by my belly weeks after giving birth, I do care about my appearance don't get me wrong 😂

It;s just a bruise. Id be more worried about a sunburn on it than anything else.

Put a sarong to mainly hide it when you are out and about in your bikini and wear normal clothes. It changes nothing from your appearance, you just have a bruise.

5289843DM · 19/09/2026 11:00

Sitting on a sun lounger, no one will see it if its the back of your thigh. Use a sarong or skirt to cover whilst walking around. Get some swimming/bord shorts if you want it covered whilst swimming
https://www.next.co.uk/shop/womens/swimwear/swim-shorts?p=1#1204

Fizzink38 · 19/09/2026 11:08

I once managed to fall up an escalator in the airport going on holiday, and spent the 2 weeks with the most amazing stripey bruise on the side and back of my thigh.
I echo the sarong idea, but remember to be gentle with yourself. You're bound to be feeling a bit fragile; physically and mentally. It takes time to be confident about a body you feel is failing you. I hope you have a wonderful holiday.

OneTake · 19/09/2026 12:03

Cover it with foundation. If you use fake tan that's your answer too.

Savvysix1984 · 19/09/2026 12:04

I had a big bruise before holiday and used arnica cream on it and it definitely healed quicker than usual

Morecoffeeneedef · 19/09/2026 12:12

A bruise on your leg isn't ugly, it's just a bruise, a sign that you bumped into something. It won't spoil your beauty in the way a black bruise on your face might. Just enjoy your holiday, you sound as if you need a break.

concertinacornflake · 19/09/2026 12:15

CitationNeeded · 18/09/2026 22:02

You are rights im not sure why it’s bothering me so much. Had a lot of stuff going on in life and genuinely not someone that usually cares about stuff like this.

Focus on your feelings not the appearance of the bruise.
Logically you would only briefly register the bruise if you saw it on someone else's leg, so you know no one else will care about this on your leg.

Take your bikini, shorts AND long dresses. See how you feel when you're a bit more relaxed.

somanychristmaslights · 19/09/2026 12:21

I think you’re being a bit silly. It’s on the back of your thigh so it won’t affect any pictures. And who cares if people look? All they’ll probably think is “ooh ouch” and then go back to drinking their cocktail. Don’t put makeup on it as it’ll go funny if you go in the pool.

Onelifeonly · 19/09/2026 12:42

I once fell on rocks on holiday and had cuts and scratches up both shins and some on my arms. Had to wear the one and only pair of long trousers I'd taken with me all / most of the time to avoid being stared at.

At least you can cover the bruise if you so wish and wear normal holiday clothes. It will be fine. Enjoy your holiday!

idkbroidk · 19/09/2026 12:58

honestly get over yourself, no one cares!!! & i mean that in the nicest way possible!!! i'm sure youll still look lovely :)

minnowonthesay · 19/09/2026 13:41

This Laura Geller body glow is excellent. You apply it with a sponge, makes your legs look flawless, not waterproof though but so easy to reapply.

Massive bruise days before going on holiday ☹️
RumPidgeon · 19/09/2026 13:57

Many sports people are only able to get a holiday during the season when they’re injured. I have known plenty of jockeys and rugby/football players to get some R&R in plaster casts and braces. Stop making it all about what you look like and enjoy some sunshine. No one will care about your bruise and you won’t see these people again so no point in stressing about it. 💐

I say this as someone who’s gone away with bruises after injections to the face. Couldn’t have cared less and they took ages to heal up and were visible despite the make up. I had a great time and didn’t care one bit.

CitationNeeded · 19/09/2026 15:49

You are all right. I think I have been feeling a bit weird about it this week, as the heart condition that requires the blood thinners flared up, so yes definitely feeling like my body is failing me!

it wouldn’t be covered by board shorts, it’s right in the middle of the back of that thigh.

It’s actually really out of character for me, as I’m generally a person who doesn’t really bother about what I look like.

It does look bad though, as in like I’ve done something awful- blood thinners make bruises bigger, darker and worse looking. I don’t even know what caused it! It is the size of my hand, stretched out!

OP posts:
Cheersminesalargeone · 19/09/2026 15:54

Vitaligo here I really don’t care who’s looking anymore, but totally understand how you feel as it took me many years to get to this point. As it’s on the back just try to pretend it’s not there and if anyone questions it tell them it happened when you were competing in your last women’s wrestling championship match 😉

Cocoknew · 19/09/2026 16:30

My midwife friend always recommends arnica for bruising if not fake tan wipes are good!

WhatNextImScared · 19/09/2026 16:33

CitationNeeded · 18/09/2026 22:02

You are rights im not sure why it’s bothering me so much. Had a lot of stuff going on in life and genuinely not someone that usually cares about stuff like this.

You’ve answered your own question: you’re actually feeling very upset about lots of things and felt the holiday was the one thing you had control over, but now a random life thing (getting a bad bruise) has affected that too.

What else is happening for you OP? Are you lacking the support you need in other areas of your life?

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