Unexplained Bruising On Forearm

A bruise is a traumatic injury of the soft tissues that results in breakage of the local capillaries and leakage of red blood cells. In the skin, bruising can be seen as a reddish-purple discoloration that does not blanch when pressed upon. This discoloration leads to the classic "black and blue" appearance.

Easy bruising can sometimes be a symptom of a disease or health issue. For instance, sepsis (a bacterial infection), chronic inflammatory disease, liver disease and certain types of cancer can all cause you to bruise easily.

A bruise is commonly tender, and sometimes even painful for the first few days, but the pain usually goes away as the color fades. Because the skin is not broken in a bruise, there is no risk of infection.

Bruises. A bruise, also known as a contusion, is a traumatic injury to the skin or underlying tissues. However, damage occurs to blood vessels underneath the skin, causing them to rupture and leak blood.

Bruises. A tendency to bruise easily sometimes runs in families. Occasionally after an injury, blood collects and pools under the skin (hematoma), giving the skin a spongy, rubbery, lumpy feel. A regular bruise is more spread out and may not feel like a firm lump. A hematoma usually is not a cause for concern.

Bruise (Contusion of the Bruises develop when small blood vessels under the skin tear or rupture, most often from a bump or fall. Blood leaks into tissues under the skin and causes the black-and-blue color. As bruises (contusions) heal, usually within 2 to 4 weeks, they often turn colors, including purplish black, reddish blue, or yellowish green.

Over time, a bruise changes color as the blood under the skin breaks down, and as the bruise heals. Bruising typically occurs when a person receives an injury to an area of their skin, such as from falling or bumping into something. The blood vessels between the skin and other tissues in the body burst.

You may begin to bruise easily if you aren’t getting enough iron. That’s because your body needs iron to keep your blood cells healthy. If your blood cells aren’t healthy, your body won’t be able to get the oxygen that it needs to function. This may make your skin more susceptible to bruising. Other symptoms of iron deficiency include:

A person should seek medical attention any time they have the following symptoms or issues associated with bruising: a suspected broken bone. loss of function of a joint, limb or muscle. increasing pain. an area is affected by a bruise that returns. there is no identifiable cause of the bruising.

Also, if you begin to feel a lot of pressure or pain in a bruised part of your body, you could be suffering from compartment syndrome. This happens when pressure increases on the soft tissue and structure underneath your skin and reduces the flow of blood and oxygen to tissues.

"That is why elderly tend to have frail skin," continues Dr. Besser. "Since there is less cushion, the superficial blood vessels are closer to the surface of the skin (and are also more fragile), so they break more easily. "That is what causes the bruising: leakage of blood into the skin and tissues beneath the skin."

If you feel a great deal of pressure where you are bruised, that is also a reason to call your doctor. It can be a sign of compartment syndrome, a serious condition that slows down circulation in that area. The area may feel very firm or hard and be very painful.

There are many reasons why you become more prone to bruising, with old age, genetics, having pale skin, increased strain during exercise and sun damage being some of the most common. Diseases such as diabetes, purpuric dermatosis, or blood disorders like leukemia may make you more prone to easy bruising too.

Bruising without an injury can be a sign of diseases of the kidney, liver and blood such as hemophilia, leukemia, Hodgkin’s disease, multiple myeloma, scurvy and thrombocytopenia. Women who experience heavy periods while bruising should consult a gynecologist to rule out conditions affecting the reproductive organs.

You may treat bruises at home with some of the following options: Use an ice pack to reduce swelling. … Rest the bruised area. If practical, raise the bruised area above your heart to keep blood from settling into the bruised tissue. Take an over-the-counter medication, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), to reduce pain in the area. … Wear tops with long sleeves and pants to protect bruises on your arms and legs.