Bruising Information You Need
| Basics |
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Bruising is defined as bleeding into the skin, subcutaneous tissues, or mucous membranes. Bruising leads to Purpura and hematoma. Purpura is flat areas where blood has collected under the tissue; a hematoma is a larger collection that forms a lump. |
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| Symptoms |
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- Bleeding from the gums
- Bleeding from a cut or a nosebleed that continues even after applying pressure for 20 minutes to the injured area
- Lots of lumpy, tender lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin
- Belly Discomfort or a hard mass in the belly
- Bruising all over the body without a recent big fall
- Swollen and tender joints
- Bruises that are a strange shape and that appear on the back, head, or genitals
- Signs of serious illness, including fevers that come and go, constant fatigue, or weight loss
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| Causes |
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- Local injury or trauma
- Allergic reaction
- Autoimmune Malfunction of mind or bodys
- Viral Problem created due to harmful organism or illness affecting blood coagulation
- Thrombocythemia
- Medical Favorable Effects, including radiation and chemotherapy
- Bruise (ecchymosis)
- Birth (petechiae in the newborn)
- Aging skin (ecchymosis)
- Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (petechiae and purpura)
- Henoch-Schonlein purpura (purpura)· Leukemia (purpura and ecchymosis)
- Drugs
- Anticoagulants such as warfarin or heparin (ecchymosis)
- Aspirin (ecchymosis)
- Cortisone (ecchymosis)
- Septicemia (petechiae, purpura, ecchymosis)
- Violent vomiting or coughing (petechiae)
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| Diagnosis |
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Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:
- Bleeding time and coagulation test
- Complete blood count or CBC with platelet count and blood differential count.
- Bone marrow biopsy
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| Dietary Guidelines |
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Many Americans eat insufficient amounts of foods containing vitamin C; bruising is caused by vitamin C deficiency that is scurvy. While very few people actually have scurvy, even minor deficiencies of vitamin C can increase bruising. People who experience easy bruising may want to try eating more fruits and vegetables—common dietary sources of vitamin C. Doctors can assess the diet by using a diet diary, sometimes accompanied by computerized diet analysis. A diet diary is a written record of what and how much a person is eating, usually divided into sections by meal and/or day. As used by many doctors, diet diaries lasting one week are most common. If such an analysis reveals a lack of dietary vitamin C and flavonoids (related compounds), the diet requires more fruits and vegetables to correct the problem. |
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| Home Care Suggestions |
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- Bruises (or purpuric lesions) are not permanent and will fade if the underlying cause can be treated successfully.
- For a hematoma, apply pressure and cold compresses initially to Enhance reduce bleeding and swelling. After the first day, apply hot compresses to Enhance speed the absorption of blood.
- For aging skin, protection of skin is recommended. Avoid trauma (such as bumping or pulling on skin areas).
- For a cut or scrape, use direct pressure to stop the bleeding.
- For a drug reaction, identify and consult the health care provider about discontinuing the drug.
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| Mind/Body Considerations |
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- Apply ice frequently and squeeze bruise to release blood congestion. Rub vigorously.
- Don’t take aspirin if bruising is frequent.
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| Additional Information |
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Arnica Cream, Arnica (Arnicare) Gel, Bumps n Bruises with Arnica are the herbal supplements that contain arnica. Arnica shows
its beneficial effects on body during bruises. 1, 2, 3 |
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| Disclaimer |
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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent any disease. |
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