What causes the elderly to bruise so easily?
What causes the elderly to bruise so easily?
People tend to bruise more easily as they age because blood vessels become weaker and the skin thins. Easy bruising may also run in families, so people whose relatives bruise easily may notice that they do as well.
What helps with bruising in elderly?
Apply a cold compress to the bruise for 20 minutes to reduce the blood flow to the area. This may reduce the size of the bruise and decrease inflammation. Elevate the bruised area if at all possible. Wrapping the area with a compression bandage can help decrease swelling.
At what age does senile purpura start?
Senile purpura affects over 10% of those aged over 50 years old. It is equally common in males and females. Other risk factors include chronic sunlight exposure and the use of oral or topical corticosteroids and anticoagulants (blood thinners).
How do I get rid of senile purpura?
A new experimental oral medication known as Purpurex (New Vitality) is effective in improving and even clearing the appearance of senile purpura, while helping to prevent new lesions from occurring, according to a recent study.
What Vitamin Are you lacking when you bruise easily?
Low on Vitamin C This essential vitamin helps make collagen, an important protein that keeps your blood vessels healthy. If you don’t get enough vitamin C in your diet, you may notice that you bruise easily.
What vitamin is lacking when you bruise easily?
What is the difference between purpura and senile purpura?
Purpura refers to purplish cutaneous or mucosal lesions caused by hemorrhage. Small lesions (< 2 mm) are termed petechiae, and large lesions are termed ecchymoses or bruises. Senile purpura typically affects older patients as their dermal tissues atrophy and blood vessels become more fragile.
What causes fragile skin in the elderly?
Fragile or thin skin that tears easily is a common problem in older adults. Aging, sun exposure and genetics all play a role in thinning skin. Certain medications, such as long-term use of oral or topical corticosteroids, also can weaken the skin and blood vessels in the skin.
What causes severe bruising on arms?
The most common cause of arm bruising is trauma. A broken bone or severe sprain may cause bruising to the arm. Children tend to incur more bruises than adults as a result of their higher activity levels.
Why do my arms bruise easily?
Easy bruising is common with age. Although most bruises are harmless and go away without treatment, easy bruising can sometimes be a sign of a more serious problem. Most bruises form when small blood vessels (capillaries) near the skin’s surface are broken by the impact of a blow or injury-often on the arms or legs.
What causes purple bruises on arms?
Actinic purpura is a condition that causes flat, red blotches to occur on your arms and hands and can eventually turn into a purple bruise. Over time, these blotches will fade away and your skin pigment will return to normal.
What are some potential causes of blood spots on the arms?
Purpura occurs when small blood vessels burst, causing blood to pool under the skin. This can create purple spots on the skin that range in size from small dots to large patches. Purpura spots are generally benign, but may indicate a more serious medical condition, such as a blood clotting disorder .