The ICD-10-CM code for ecchymosis is R58. Generally, they are small bruise-like spots on the skin that look different than typical bruising. Protect your skin from the sun. Several medications, including steroids, may help. Pain, swelling, heaviness, and achiness over or around the enlarged veins may also occur. Added up, these causes mean that elderly peoples skin shows a bruise easily. As the body ages, the skin becomes thinner and more delicate. However, it can cause psychological distress, according to a study in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. If the injury. These usually occur on the back of the hands and the forearms. Theyll want to rule out certain conditions that may require treatment. Finally, they last longer than normal bruises, often a few weeks. Blood-thinning medications may cause a person to bleed and bruise more. Common symptoms include excessive sweating, especially at night, fatigue and weakness that dont go away with rest, unintentional weight loss, bone pain, and tenderness. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC, an Internet Brands company. With this rare genetic disorder, the body produces little or no factor IX, causing the blood to clot improperly. See additional information. Share | Bruising on the back of the hands and arms is common. Causes of a Bruise People typically get bruises when they bump into something or when something bumps into them. This is caused by a lack of factor V, also known as proaccelerin, which is an important part of the blood clotting mechanism. There are several ways that your blood vessels could break, including: You and your healthcare provider can identify a bruise by your symptoms, especially the look and color of the mark on your skin. Causes Prevention When to Worry Anyone can bruise from a hard blow, bump or fall. Some elderly people find their diet is less varied than it once was. All rights reserved. These spots can be caused by serious health conditions, such as, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Bruises can occur in some people who exercise vigorously, such as athletes. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Try to drink around 1.5 litres of fluid a day to keep skin hydrated. Bruises in elderly people frequently occur because their skin has become thinner with age. A symptom of taking a medication (like anticoagulants, antiplatelet medicine, aspirin or steroids). Download free today. In some people, the skin becomes so thin that bruising and even small tears occur in the skin, especially on the hands and arms. If the bruise takes up a large area of the leg or foot, the leg should be kept elevated as much as possible during the first 24 hours after the injury. Often, there are no symptoms in the early stages, but a person may notice: Petechiae may not be visible on dark skin, but a person may see them on areas with lower levels of melanin, such as the forearms. What different types of bruises are there? What Causes Hemosiderin Staining? Links to third-party websites are only for the convenience of the reader; A Place for Mom does not endorse the contents of the third-party sites. Ukraine war latest: Russia 'likely' being attacked from within amid Take an over-the-counter medication, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), to reduce pain in the area. Blood tests to check for clotting conditions and vitamin deficiencies. There are other factors that may influence easy bruising in the elderly. This fat is vital for protecting an older adult's blood vessels. Blood from damaged blood cells deep beneath the skin collects near the surface of the skin, resulting in what we think of as a black and blue mark. But if you notice that youre bruising more easily than usual, or the bruises are larger and are accompanied by other symptoms, its best to follow up with a healthcare professional. Easy bruising: Why does it happen? - Mayo Clinic Use the Sweet Pea personalised search to find the right care for yourself or your loved one. Claire Samuels is a senior copywriter at A Place for Mom, where she helps guide families through the dementia and memory care journey. Ask your loved onesdoctor or pharmacist if a new prescription is likely to cause old-age bruising. The AOCD limits permission for downloading education material for personal use only. A person with a genetic bleeding disorder has a higher risk of bruising and excessive, possibly life threatening bleeding. Skin Discoloration Causes - Health Make sure you or your loved one are eating well and regularly. Some types of elderly skin bruising are harmless, but others can indicate a more serious problem. Bruising on the back of the hands and arms is common. In this article well take a closer look at what can cause you to bruise easily and when its important to see your doctor. (2017). What Causes Easy Bruising? 6 Medications to Watch For Learn, When a muscle or soft tissue bruises, the signs can be clear to see. Anyone who experiences these symptoms should seek prompt medical advice, as early treatment is often effective. Spontaneous bleeding, easy bruising, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, prolonged bleeding after surgery or injury, bleeding into joints, internal bleeding, or bleeding in the brain are other possible symptoms. Home remedies may be enough, but, Here is a look at petechiae, small nonraised hemorrhages that appear on the skin. Do you need surgery and what. When Should I See My Doctor About Bruises? Rarely, an increase in bleeding and bruising may be a sign of leukemia. (2017). Use handrails when youre walking up or down stairs. You may notice that the. They differ from normal bruises in several ways. Prevention is better than cure. Learn more about the symptoms of liver disease here. This term is used to describe multiple types of blood cancer that occur when white blood cells in the bone marrow grow out of control. Most bruises go away without treatment within a couple of weeks. If bruising occurs frequently and for no apparent reason, the doctor may have your blood tested to look for a bleeding disorder. Then try applying a warm, but not hot, compress to speed up the healing process by increasing circulation to the wounded area. It may also be due to an underlying health condition or a vitamin deficiency. Symptoms include abnormal bleeding after giving birth, having surgery, or being injured; easy bruising; nosebleeds; bleeding gums; and heavy or prolonged menstrual periods. The tissues that support the underlying blood vessels have become more fragile. Experiencing a low blood platelet count (. The changes in heat can stimulate the healing processes of the skin by aiding blood circulation in the damaged area. For instance, being helped out of a chair might cause a bruise to form, even if it didnt hurt the person. Senile purpura is common among older adults, affecting around 10% of those aged over 50 years. Here, well discuss the different types of bruising that may occur in seniors, so youll know whether your loved one is experiencing normal skin changes or needs medical assistance. Neutze, D, et al. Likebedsores, bruising often occurs when a bedridden seniors body begins to break down skin tissue after prolonged pressure and inactivity. (2008). However, if you have a wound that bruises, reopens, and produces pus, clear liquid, or blood, see a healthcare provider promptly. When this happens, you may notice that you bruise easily. However it is always helpful to know why elderly bruising happens and how you can help with healing. On dark skin, bruising may also appear red or purple, or it may show as a darker area than the surrounding skin, depending on the persons skin tone. Read full article on Von Willebrand disease. In most cases, elderly skin bruising is the result of an injury, a fall, or a collision. Because aging skin bruises easily, increased bruising is generally not a sign of abuse. Some people apply arnica to the skin, but there is not enough evidence to show it speeds up healing. Common causes, facts and treatment." American Osteopathic College of Dermatology: "Bruising Hands and Arms." University of Maryland Medical System: "Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)." These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Most bruises are caused by physical injury. After about 48 hours, heat in the form of a warm washcloth applied to the bruise for 10 minutes or so two to three times a day may increase blood flow to the bruised area, allowing the skin to reabsorb the blood more quickly. Blood thinners, including aspirin, coumadin, and alcohol all may worsen the condition. If you injure your skin apply a cool compress. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. As you age, your skin becomes thinner, and the capillaries under your skin become more prone to breaking. This can range from a mild bump or bruise to a traumatic brain injury. Some people bruise easily, with little impact to their body. Causes | Background information | Bruising | CKS | NICE Antidepressants Blood thinners Some steroids Vitamin E Fish oil Bring a list of your medications and how long you've been taking them if you plan to see a doctor about random bruises. More severe bruising and hematomas may last a month or longer. Unexplained bruises could be a sign of an underlying medical condition. If your doctor has prescribed blood-thinning drugs, be sure to have regular monitoring and adjust medications as necessary. Newborns often have very low levels of vitamin K, which are insufficient to stop bleeding. Medications that are known to reduce your bloods ability to clot include the following: If you notice that you have increased bruising, do not stop taking your medications. Factor X deficiency causes interruptions in bloods normal clotting mechanism. This is very helpful for people who have limited or restricted diets. However, there are a few steps you can take to minimise it. Mild to moderate strains can be successfully treated at home with rest, ice, compression, elevation, heat, gentle stretching, and anti-inflammatory medications. Leukemias are classified by onset (chronic or acute) and cell types involved (myeloid cells and lymphocytes). Some people bruise more easily than others, and the bruising can take longer to heal. If you have a specific question or concern about a skin lesion or disease, please consult a dermatologist. Bruises typically take about two weeks to disappear. What can cause easy bruising? We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. The resulting discoloration from the bleeding is a bruise. Yes, elderly bruising hands is a common condition. Wrap the ice pack in a towel. Intense exercise Medication Nutrient deficiency Diabetes Von Willebrand disease Thrombophilia Less common causes Rare causes See a doctor Certain health. Your bodys blood cells repair damaged blood vessels to help you heal. Remember that the cause of bruising can be unexpected. Why Parkinson's research is zooming in on the gut. Bruises also tend to be more common in older adults. Medicines, herbs, and vitamins which affect bleeding. Bleeding and bruising (thrombocytopenia) and cancer treatment. It's sometimes called actinic purpura. Most bruises are harmless and go away without treatment. There may be nothing to worry about, but having a checkup will allow the doctor to rule anything else out. Watch where youre walking. Seek urgent medical attention if the pain, bruising, or swelling doesnt subside in a week or starts to get worse, if the injured area is numb or bleeding, if you cant walk, or if you cant move your arms or legs. Discoloration of the skin is often the first sign. Read more about the colorful stages of bruises. Read full article on factor X deficiency. Bruises usually heal without treatment, but raising the bruised part and applying ice covered in a cloth may help reduce swelling. Most bruises fade away within two weeks without treatment. First, usually there wasn't much of a knock or injury to cause them. Association Management Software Powered by, Treatment for this bruising is difficult. Weakness in hands. Keep these things in mind regarding accidental versus intentional bruising: Listen to your loved one. Mostly seen in older individuals, actinic purpura is due to the weakened state of blood vessel walls from many years of sun exposure. Use a clean piece of gauze, but no tape on your delicate skin. Why Do I Bruise Easily? Reasons It May Happen - WebMD Instead, talk with your doctor about this issue. The collection of blood makes a bruise visible. Liver disease can affect blood clotting, which can increase the risk of bleeding and easy bruising. Learn more about these serious fractures, how theyre treated, and what to expect. Anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs are a type of medication that is used to eliminate or reduce the risk of blood clots by helping prevent or break, Petechiae may look like a rash, but they're actually due to bleeding under the skin. Blood vessels can break or leak like a cracked pipe. Steroids, either as a cream, pill or inhaled for lung disease, can also bring the condition on. The formation of blood clots relies on good nutrition, a healthy liver, and healthy bone marrow. Older people do tend to bruise more easily than younger people. (2012). Unexplained Bruising: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention - Verywell Health To learn more about our home care services, Petechiae, When to Worry: Causes, Symptoms, and More - Healthline What is a black eye and what can I do about it? The bruises will look like regular bruises, but they can be larger. Symptoms of a bruise include: Bruises are sometimes called black-and-blue marks. We cant completely eliminate the bruising that occurs as we age, but the tips suggested here can help you understand the reasons for the condition and how to minimize and treat your symptoms. Thinning of the skin is the number one cause of bruising and skin damage. Some other medications may weaken or change the behavior of blood vessels, worsen inflammation, or otherwise increase the risk of bleeding. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Aspirin commonly taken as a blood thinner as well as some antibiotics, also have anticoagulant properties, and have a similar effect. Anticoagulant activity of select dietary supplements. Cold compress. Whats Causing My Swollen Fingertip and How Do I Treat It? Sometimes, elderly skin bruising on arms and legsis caused by medical procedures andeveryday assistance. Anyone who notices they are bruising more often or more easily than usual should seek medical advice to rule out other health issues or seek treatment as appropriate. Healthcare professionals are required by law to ask you questions to make sure youre safe in your domestic situation. Here, learn more about how bruising appears on dark skin. They can include the following: People taking medication who notice an increase in bleeding or bruising should ask a doctor whether their medication can cause bleeding. Dangerous symptoms that signal a medical emergency include loss of consciousness, seizures, vomiting, balance or coordination problems, disorientation, abnormal eye movements, persistent or worsening headache, loss of muscle control, memory loss, leaking of clear fluid from the ear or the nose, and extreme sleepiness. As we age, our tastes may change and we may have a more restricted diet through choice. Fragile skin is a common problem in older adults because skin cells divide slowly, and skin begins to thin. Alcohol is a major contributing factor to liver disease, but the condition can also result from cancer and other health issues. Thrombocytopenia refers to a platelet count that is lower than normal. Hemophilia involves low levels of blood clotting factor VIII (hemophilia A) or factor IX (hemophilia B). Why do I bruise easily? Treatment for this bruising is difficult. There are several types of bleeding that cause skin discoloration, including: Bruises are very common and will affect everyone at some point in their life. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Bruises, also called contusions, occur when trauma damages or ruptures tiny blood vessels beneath the skin. Older adults bruise more easily because their skin is thinner and they tend to have less muscle and fat to cushion their blood vessels from injury. Use pads on your knees, elbows, and shins when cleaning or playing sports to avoid bruising in these areas. Ecchymosis (pronounced eh-chuh-mow-sis) is the medical term for a bruise. Some causes of easy bruising are more obvious. Wear tops with long sleeves and pants to protect bruises on your arms and legs. Outlook What is senile purpura? Some medical conditions that can cause easy bruising include: While the occasional bruise isnt a cause for concern, easy bruising could be. You can try using rolled bandages wound lightly around your arms to protect them if youre working outside. To help keep the skin plump and supple, try to drink around 1.5 litres of fluid a day. yellowish, which most often occurs as the bruise heals, increased bruising while taking aspirin (Bayer) or other, bruising that occurs after a hard blow or fall, bruising that occurs along with a suspected, bruising that fails to heal after four weeks, bruising accompanied by bleeding from your, unexplained bruising, especially in a recurring pattern, bruises that reappear in the same area without injury, blows, such as someone hitting you or being hit by a ball, medications that thin blood, such as aspirin or. Why do I bruise easily? 8 possible causes - Medical News Today Most of the skin changes you observe can be easily explained. The same might also apply to people who have very dry skin but no diagnosed skin condition. Random Bruising: 13 Possible Causes Excluding Obvious Injury - Healthline Physicians see elderly bruising regularly and may be more likely to know if elder abuse is a concern. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. This bruising is benign, which means it isnt a symptom of anything more serious. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? These medications can also exacerbate the bruising, so this could lead to a vicious cycle. However, there are steps you can take to help the bruise recover. If there's swelling and pain with bruising, the first line of treatment is to apply a cold compress. Never stop taking any medications on your own. Here are 16 possible causes of. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Second, they are not tender. Take extra care when helping your elderly loved one to move, for example ask them to grip onto you, rather than holding their hands or arms. What causes them, and what you can do about them. But its important to seek medical attention if significant bruising occurs. Last medically reviewed on April 26, 2022, A black eye is when the tissue under the skin around the eye is bruised. A good test for dehydration is to pinch the back of the hand. It can be caused by a wide variety of conditions. Bleeding Into the Skin: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment - Cleveland Clinic If you seem to be bruising easily, it could also be due to medications, a medical condition, or even a vitamin deficiency. Most of us get bruises from bumping into objects from time to time. You may bruise more easily while taking certain medications, including blood thinners or steroids. Not drinking enough liquids may be another. Always seek the advice of your health care provider, attorney or financial advisor with respect to any particular matter, and do not act or refrain from acting on the basis of anything you have read on this site.