Bruises in elderly people frequently occur because their skin has become thinner with age. The tissues that support the underlying blood vessels have become more fragile. Bruises are also more common in those taking medicine to thin the blood.

What would cause bruises to appear without injury?

Unexplained bruising on the legs can occur in both adults and children due to a variety of factors, including injury, age, an underlying health condition, or even things like medication. For example, in adults, bruising can occur more easily as we age due to thinning of the skin.

What causes bleeding under the skin in the elderly?

Aging skin is thought to be the most common cause of senile purpura. As the body ages, the skin becomes thinner and more delicate. Over time, exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays weakens the connective tissues that hold the blood vessels in their place.

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.

What causes purple spots on elderly skin?

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.

What medications can cause unexplained bruising?

Why do I bruise or bleed easily? Some medicines can cause easy bruising and bleeding. Examples are aspirin, pain medicines like ibuprofen (Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve), and blood thinners. If you take one of these medicines, talk to your doctor to see if you should keep taking the medicine.

What are you lacking if 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.

Why does my elderly mother bruise so easily?

According to the Mayo Clinic, skin becomes thinner with age, resulting in a smaller barrier between skin and the blood vessels that burst to cause bruising. Skin also loses some of its fatty layer as the body ages, and this fatty layer cushions blood vessels, allowing them to absorb impact rather than burst.

Why do older people’s arms bruise easily?

Some people — especially women — are more prone to bruising than others. As you get older, your skin also becomes thinner and loses some of the protective fatty layer that helps cushion your blood vessels from injury.

Is bleeding under the skin serious?

Bleeding beneath the skin often results from a minor occurrence, such as bruising. The bleeding can appear as a small dot the size of a pinprick or as a patch as large as an adult hand. Bleeding into the skin may also be the sign of a serious medical condition.

What vitamin is good for healing bruises?

According to Livestrong.com, vitamin C can also help combat bruises. Vitamin C helps the body to synthesize collagen which is important in strengthening capillary walls. Vitamin C can be found in a variety of fruits including citrus and strawberries. Lastly, zinc is an important mineral for repairing damaged tissues.

What is a good cream for bruises?

Arnica. Arnica is a homeopathic herb that is said to reduce inflammation and swelling, thus making it an ideal treatment for bruising. A 2010 study found that topical arnica ointment effectively reduced laser-induced bruising. You can use an arnica ointment or gel on the bruise a few times per day.

Can low iron cause bruising?

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.

How do you know if a bruise is serious?

See your doctor or visit State Urgent Care right away if you notice any of the following symptoms:

1. Abnormal bleeding in the gums, frequent nose bleeds or blood in the urine or stool.
2. Frequent very large, very painful bruises.
3. Numbness or weakness anywhere in the injured limb.
4. Swelling around the bruised skin.

Does senile purpura go away?

Senile purpura is not dangerous and is completely benign, but unless changes are made, the condition is likely to be recurring. Wearing sunblock can help protect your skin from further sun damage. Most purpuric lesions last between one and three weeks, though the discoloration may be permanent after they fade.

How do you get rid of blood bruising under the skin?

Home Treatment

1. Rest and protect a bruised area.
2. Ice will reduce pain and swelling.
3. Compression, or wrapping the bruised area with an elastic bandage (such as an Ace wrap), will help decrease swelling.
4. Elevate the bruised area on pillows while applying ice and anytime you are sitting or lying down.