Keep Skin Moist to Prevent Bruising

Post Editors — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:01:14 +0000

Dear Dr. SerVaas,

My mother has blotches on her arms and legs that look like blood vessels have burst below the skin surface. They spread across the arms and/or legs and are purple and black in color. It’s very distressing to her. What causes these to appear, and how might we address the problem?

R
Alabama

Post consultant and dermatology expert C. William Hanke, M.D. responds:

“Years of sun exposure, particularly on the upper extremities, tends to make the skin appreciably thinner and more susceptible to bruising from the superficial capillaries which supply it. Certain medicines, particularly blood thinners such as aspirin, warfarin, Plavix, ibuprofen, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), may exacerbate the problem, as might vitamin E, garlic, and fish oil.

“To help prevent easy and prolonged bruising, avoid medications which cause platelet inhibition. In addition, keep skin moist by using mild soap, such as Dove, or an in-shower body lotion. Applying topical emollients to the arms and legs immediately after bathing and up to five times daily can also assist with protecting the skin.”

Keep Skin Moist to Prevent Bruising The Saturday Evening Post

About Bruises

Cory SerVaas, M.D. — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 23:00:40 +0000

Dear Dr. SerVaas,
My lovely wife has a problem. The least thing she bumps with her hand or arm immediately causes a distinct bruise that lasts for days. Why does this happen or what can be done to stop it? If age is a factor, please explain why.

Barney
Alabama

Post contributing editor and dermatology expert Dr. C. William Hanke replies:
“Older adults often bruise easily because of gradual changes that take place in the layer of fat just below the skin surface. As a person ages, this layer diminishes and the skin becomes thinner and less flexible. The loss of fat also decreases the skin’s cushioning effect.

“These changes, along with skin damage from sun exposure, cause blood vessels to break more easily. Applying topical emollients such as Vaseline or other over-the-counter ointments and minimizing soap application and hot showers may help combat skin dryness and prevent easy bruising.

“Older adults are most susceptible to bruises on the forearms, hands, legs, and feet. Sometimes the bruising will spread down the body in the direction of gravity. A bruise on a leg will usually take longer to heal than one on the face or arms. Most bruises are not a cause for concern and will go away on their own.”

About Bruises The Saturday Evening Post

The Saturday Evening Post » sun exposure

Keep Skin Moist to Prevent Bruising

About Bruises