Ouch! Every time you turn the corner, you bump into that desk. You know that at the end of the day a big bruise will smile at you in the shower. Thank Goodness the fall season is here and you’re wearing jeans!
The annoyance of waiting until this discoloration disappears takes forever of course. When do you finally question yourself, “wait a minute, is it normal to get bruises after almost every small contact with an object?” Is this easy bruising more than just having “thin skin” and more like a result of an underlying problem?
At your next doctor’s appointment, you can discuss your concerns, history, and family history regarding easy bruising or purpura simplex . Lab tests to be ordered can include a complete blood count (CBC) with platelet count, aPTT, PT, INR, bleeding time, von Willebrand’s disease factor, etc.
CAUSES:
1. Age - the older we get, our skin becomes increasingly thin and capillaries weaken causing purpura senilis (photo)
2. Gender – more bruising occurs in females due to increased subcutaneous fat
3. Platelet / coagulation disorders / leukemia
4. Medications/herbs (blood thinners like warfarin , aspirin, ginko biloba, and fish oil; antidepressants; asthma medications; cortisone; nonsteroidal-antiinflammatories such as naproxen or ibuprofen)
5. Liver diseases
6. Alcoholism
7. Drug addiction
8. Autoimmune diseases
9. Domestic violence
10. AIDS
11. Vigorous exercise
12. Meningococcal infection
TREATMENT:
Once you develop a bruise there is nothing you can do to treat it. The body will break it down and reabsorb it over time, while you watch as it changes colors. If you develop swelling with it, you may apply cold compresses for 20 minutes at a time. After the swelling goes down, a warm compress may speed the removal of blood from that area.
MORE SERIOUS PROBLEM:
1. If you do not have a history of bruising, and you suddenly experience them especially after taking a new medication.
2. If you notice large and painful bruises appearing for no known reason
3. If you bruise easily AND also bleed from gums, nose, rectum, etc.
4. If you develop other symptoms with the bruising such as fever, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, confusion, etc.
See your doctor if you experience any of the above.
Most importantly, know yourself and act accordingly!