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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Random Bruises On The Body?

I have been waking up with random bruises all over my body. Some are bigger and some are small and unnoticeable. Also I was in the shower and noticed this smaller dark purple line on my left breast. I m not sure if I should go see a doctor or if it s nothing to worry about
Wed, 30 Dec 2015
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Pathologist and Microbiologist 's  Response
Hello. The random bruises that you have mentioned is called ecchymoses and purpura in medical language. It signifies underlying disease. This problem is related to bleeding beneath the skin which usually is related to a component of the blood called platelets. Platelets are tiny structures that are present in our blood and perform an important function by forming a plug to prevent bleeding.
To find out the cause of these bruises ,I would suggest the following tests to start with
Complete blood count
Platelet count
Peripheral blood smear
Coagulation profile .
If there are abnormalities or abnormal cells on the peripheral blood smear, a bone marrow examination may be necessary
I am not aware if you have any other symptoms such as weakness, exhaustion, malaise , fever etc. If you do have other symptoms it is important to mention them. It is also important to mention if you are taking any medication.
From your description and if you have no other symptoms other than the bruises, the most probable diagnosis would be a disease called
Immune thrombocytopenic purpura or ITP. This is disease where platelet counts are low because the platelets are destroyed by antibodies against them. The medical term used for a low platelet count is THROMBOCYTOPENIA. Low platelet count may be due to many causes such as the one I mentioned above called ITP. It may also occur due to certain medications and infections. There are also more sinister causes such as leukemia which is a type of blood cancer.
Rather than being alarmist, I would suggest that you meet a specialist physician and get a blood work up done as soon as possible. Should you require further guidance on your problem, please feel free to post your blood test reports and further queries on this forum . You may also access medical information explained in common language for the benefit of patients on websites such as Web MD, Mayo clinic, Merck etc. Best regards
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What Causes Random Bruises On The Body?

Hello. The random bruises that you have mentioned is called ecchymoses and purpura in medical language. It signifies underlying disease. This problem is related to bleeding beneath the skin which usually is related to a component of the blood called platelets. Platelets are tiny structures that are present in our blood and perform an important function by forming a plug to prevent bleeding. To find out the cause of these bruises ,I would suggest the following tests to start with Complete blood count Platelet count Peripheral blood smear Coagulation profile . If there are abnormalities or abnormal cells on the peripheral blood smear, a bone marrow examination may be necessary I am not aware if you have any other symptoms such as weakness, exhaustion, malaise , fever etc. If you do have other symptoms it is important to mention them. It is also important to mention if you are taking any medication. From your description and if you have no other symptoms other than the bruises, the most probable diagnosis would be a disease called Immune thrombocytopenic purpura or ITP. This is disease where platelet counts are low because the platelets are destroyed by antibodies against them. The medical term used for a low platelet count is THROMBOCYTOPENIA. Low platelet count may be due to many causes such as the one I mentioned above called ITP. It may also occur due to certain medications and infections. There are also more sinister causes such as leukemia which is a type of blood cancer. Rather than being alarmist, I would suggest that you meet a specialist physician and get a blood work up done as soon as possible. Should you require further guidance on your problem, please feel free to post your blood test reports and further queries on this forum . You may also access medical information explained in common language for the benefit of patients on websites such as Web MD, Mayo clinic, Merck etc. Best regards