How did I get that bruise?
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
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
Add a Comment1 Comments
I'm an easy bruiser. Over the years I've learned that Vitamin C strengthens capillary walls and works to decrease bruising and help healing.
October 23, 2009 - 4:49pmThis Comment