Brusing

[Guest guest]

, I have had CMT all my life and have no brusing at all. Here is

some basic information for you from Discovery Health. ~ Gretchen

http://health.discovery.com/diseasesandcond/encyclopedia/3173.html

March 20, 2004

Bruising

By Eileen McLaughlin, RN, BSN

Bruising is an area of discolored skin. Bruising develops when the

lining of small blood vessels is damaged, allowing blood cells to escape

into the skin and tissues. This condition most often occurs after a

person injures a particular part of the body.

What is going on in the body?

A person may notice several stages of bruising. A bruise usually starts

out as a red area or as tiny red dots or splotches on the skin. Within

days to a week or so, the bruise becomes more purple. As it heals, it

becomes brownish-yellow. Generally, bruises heal and disappear within 2

to 3 weeks.

What other signs and symptoms are associated with this symptom?

Symptoms of bruising vary depending on the cause of the bruising. The

bruise may be very small and may blend in with the texture of the skin,

or it may be large, swollen, and painful.

When evaluating symptoms, the healthcare provider may want to know: · if

there is a family history of bleeding problems · when and where the

bruises were discovered · if the person is taking any medications · what

the person has eaten lately · if there is any history of trauma or

recent injury · if the person has recently had a blood transfusion · if

there is any history of vomiting blood, blood in the stools, nosebleeds,

or bleeding gums · if there is any fever or other symptoms related to

other parts of the body, such as diarrhea, shortness of breath,

headaches, chest pain, abdominal distress, nausea, pain in the

extremities, swelling in the extremities, heavy menstrual bleeding,

weakness, weight loss, dizziness, or confusion

What are the causes and risks of the symptom?

As a person ages, he or she will bruise more easily. The layer of

protective fat just under the skin becomes thinner. The small blood

vessels also become more fragile and are more easily damaged. Frequent

long-term exposure to the sun can also cause the skin to be more fragile

and likely to bruise. The tendency to bruise easily may run in families.

Other causes of bruising may include the following: · blood disorders,

including problems with blood clotting such as hemophilia A or

hemophilia B · blood-related diseases such as leukemia, a blood cancer ·

liver disease, such as cirrhosis · lymphomas · certain disorders in

which bone marrow cells grow at an abnormal rate · nutritional

deficiencies, such as deficiency in vitamins C, K, B12, or folic acid ·

sepsis, or severe infection in the bloodstream · systemic lupus

erythematosus, an autoimmune disorder in which a person's body attacks

its own cells for unknown reasons · trauma, or injury · prolonged

coughing or vomiting · medications, such as blood thinners · abuse,

such as child abuse, spousal abuse, or elder abuse · surgery or other

medical procedures · allergy-related disorders

What can be done to prevent the symptom?

The causes of bruising will determine whether there are ways to prevent

bruising. Wearing protective clothing may prevent some bruising.

Avoiding excessive exposure to the sun may minimize skin damage. Other

cases of bruising may be prevented or decreased if the cause is

eliminated, such as replacing vitamins in someone who has vitamin

deficiency. In other cases of bruising, the underlying cause may not

always be cured. Being careful not to bang or knock the skin against

hard surfaces may decrease the likelihood of developing bruises. Also,

if a person is taking a blood thinner, it is important that they take it

exactly as prescribed in order to reduce the likelihood of bruising.

How is the symptom diagnosed?

Tests used to diagnose bruising will vary, depending on the suspected

cause.

First, the healthcare provider will take a complete medical history,

including any other symptoms or conditions that are present and any

history of injury. A thorough physical exam, to evaluate for possible

underlying conditions, will also be done.

The healthcare provider may also order X-rays, a bone biopsy, or a bone

scan to evaluate for injury, tumors, or other conditions.

A spinal tap may be done to obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid, the

fluid that surrounds the spinal column and brain. This fluid can be

tested for infection and other conditions that cause bruising.

Usually, several blood tests will be ordered, such as: · prothrombin

time (PT), or INR, which are tests of blood clotting · fibrinogen

levels, to check for bleeding disorders · a complete blood count, or

CBC, to check for abnormal white blood cells or platelets

What are the long-term effects of the symptom?

Long-term effects of bruising will depend on the underlying cause of the

bruising. A bruise caused by a shin hitting a chair may heal without any

long-term effects. A person who has blood disorders may require blood

transfusions and medications over a long period of time. In some cases,

a person with leukemia or cancer may have a treatable form of the

disease. In other cases, death may result.

What are the risks to others?

Bruising is not contagious, although there may be a tendency for

bruising to run in families. If an underlying infection is causing the

bruising, this infection may be contagious.

What are the treatments for the symptom?

Treatment of bruising will vary depending on the underlying cause of the

bruise. When an injury occurs, the application of an ice pack off and on

for the first 24 hours will reduce further bruising and swelling. After

24 hours, a hot pack to the area will help the bruise heal more quickly.

Other treatments will vary greatly depending on the cause of the

bruising. A person who has hemophilia may be given blood transfusions. A

person who has nutritional deficiencies may be given special dietary

recommendations. A person who has leukemia or cancer may require special

medications and procedures. A person who has bacteria in the blood may

need antibiotics.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Side effects will depend on the treatment used. There are usually no

side effects when ice or heat are used properly. There may be stomach

upset or allergic reaction to antibiotics and other medications.

Treatments that require surgery pose a risk of bleeding, infection, and

allergic reaction to anesthesia. Medications used for leukemia may cause

more side effects, including hair loss or an increased risk of

infection.

What happens after treatment for the symptom?

After treatment, recommendations will vary depending on the cause of the

bruising and the treatment used. In some situations, no further

treatment is necessary for minor bruising. For more serious disease or

injury, treatment may continue, and a person may have further

instructions to follow.

How is the symptom monitored?

If bruising worsens, or if any other symptoms are present, monitoring by

a healthcare provider may be necessary. Any new or worsening symptoms

should be reported to the healthcare provider.