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What Causes Unexplained Easy Bruising On Legs?

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Posted on Wed, 19 Aug 2015
Question: Hi, I have been getting unexplained or easy bruising on my legs lately. They can be quite painful, as far as bruises go. Some of them have been rather large too. The largest one I had it measured just over 7 inches in diameter. That was a few months ago. I am taking generic Paxil started with 5mg (half a tablet) now has been increased to 10mg. And I'm also taking Atenelol lowest dose
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (28 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Easy bruisability needs work up.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking

I read your question and i understand your concern. Easy bruisability indicates thinning of blood . It could be due to medications or some other cause need to ne sorted out by some baseline work up. If you are using some aspirin or clopidogrel with atenolol then that may be the reason.

Bruises form when small blood vessels, called capillaries, near the skin's surface are broken by the force of injury or impact. When this happens, blood leaks out of the vessels and shows up as a bright or dark red, purple or black mark on the skin. Eventually, the body reabsorbs the blood, and the mark disappears.

Aspirin, anticoagulant medications and anti-platelet agents reduce your blood's ability to clot. As a result, bleeding from capillary damage might take longer than usual to stop — which allows enough blood to leak out and cause a bruise. Certain dietary supplements, such as fish oil and ginkgo, also can increase your bruising risk due to a blood-thinning effect.

Topical and systemic corticosteroids — which can be used to treat various conditions, including allergies, asthma and eczema — cause your skin to thin, making it easier to bruise.

If you experience increased bruising, don't stop taking your medications. Consult your doctor about your concerns. Also, make sure your doctor is aware of any supplements you're taking — especially if you're taking them while on a blood-thinning drug. Your doctor might recommend avoiding certain over-the-counter medications or supplements.

Nutshell bruising could be a normal phenomenon here or a blood clotting problem. Anyhow it needs a consult with your doctor and them run some baseline investigations to be on the safer road.

I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and dont forget to close the discussion please.

Regards
Khan




Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (2 minutes later)
Ok thanks so much!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (2 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
:)

Detailed Answer:
You are always welcome. I will be here if you need me any further.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 3613 Questions

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What Causes Unexplained Easy Bruising On Legs?

Brief Answer: Easy bruisability needs work up. Detailed Answer: Thank you for asking I read your question and i understand your concern. Easy bruisability indicates thinning of blood . It could be due to medications or some other cause need to ne sorted out by some baseline work up. If you are using some aspirin or clopidogrel with atenolol then that may be the reason. Bruises form when small blood vessels, called capillaries, near the skin's surface are broken by the force of injury or impact. When this happens, blood leaks out of the vessels and shows up as a bright or dark red, purple or black mark on the skin. Eventually, the body reabsorbs the blood, and the mark disappears. Aspirin, anticoagulant medications and anti-platelet agents reduce your blood's ability to clot. As a result, bleeding from capillary damage might take longer than usual to stop — which allows enough blood to leak out and cause a bruise. Certain dietary supplements, such as fish oil and ginkgo, also can increase your bruising risk due to a blood-thinning effect. Topical and systemic corticosteroids — which can be used to treat various conditions, including allergies, asthma and eczema — cause your skin to thin, making it easier to bruise. If you experience increased bruising, don't stop taking your medications. Consult your doctor about your concerns. Also, make sure your doctor is aware of any supplements you're taking — especially if you're taking them while on a blood-thinning drug. Your doctor might recommend avoiding certain over-the-counter medications or supplements. Nutshell bruising could be a normal phenomenon here or a blood clotting problem. Anyhow it needs a consult with your doctor and them run some baseline investigations to be on the safer road. I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and dont forget to close the discussion please. Regards Khan