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What Causes Bruising On Skin Upon Scratching?

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Posted on Tue, 7 Jul 2015
Question: Yes please, just recently if I scratch my skin I get bruising immediately under my skin (dark purple) I take no medications and have no illnesses that I know of
doctor
Answered by Dr. Anil Parth Desai (10 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Hi I would recommend a blood test and a coagulation profile study.

Detailed Answer:
Hello mam,
I did review your concern.

Easy superficial skin bruising as that on scratching or light trauma can be due to either a vessel problem or a platelet problem.
It could rarely be a coagulation problem which is less likely at this age and in females.

To know more about your problem, the best first test to undergo would be a complete blood test which includes platelet count, hemoglobin, white cell count, red cell count and differential white cells and morphological analysis of peripheral blood smear. Also if possible a PT and a APTT test should be simultaneously done.This primary investigational study will help us further study and management.

I am suspecting low platelet count or problem in platelet function as a primary possibility in your case as it is most common reason for easy bruising at this age. But first we need to confirm it by the above mentioned test.
So, all in all, I would recommend-
1)Complete blood report.
2)PT and APTT.

Also let me know if you have any associated symptoms like recent fever, weight loss, night sweats or liver problem.

I hope this helps mam.
Let me know if you have any more questions or concerns.
I will be more than happy to help you.
wish you all the best
Sincerely,
Dr Parth Desai
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Anil Parth Desai (1 hour later)
you mentioned liver. Again I do not take anything. And I do have a fairly healthy diet.(I do not eat any processed food and I try to stay away from any foods genetically altered. But I do drink, vodka, crown and red wine(not at the same time). Not every night but at least 2-3 nights a week, and I quit smoking recently (2 months) I only mention this because you mentioned liver. Also I do work out in the pool and swim every day. (I was hoping you were going to tell me it was just an aging thing, thinning vessels or something like that) So with this further information, is your diagnosis the same? Thank you for your time. XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Anil Parth Desai (12 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
i would advice blood tests and if they are normal consider vessel/ageing

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thank you for your reply.
2-3 moderate drinks a week generally should not cause a liver problem to cause less synthesis of coagulation factors.

Ageing is definately a possibility but i would consider that only after the tests that i suggested come out normal.

As i said superficial easy bruising can be mostly due to platelets or vessel problem and once the platetet and coagulation profiles are normal, we can then consider vessel problem as a potential problem and with your healthy lifestyle habit as you described and no other illness, ageing could explain it.
I hope this helps.
Let me know if you have any more questions or concerns.
Please provide me feedback of your health.
Wish you all the best.
Sincerely,
Dr parth Desai.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Anil Parth Desai (24 hours later)
Thank for your help...you have answered my question
doctor
Answered by Dr. Anil Parth Desai (30 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Please provide me feedback of your health

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX,
Thank you for your reply.
Please provide me feedback of your health and let me know if you have any more questions or concerns.
Wish you all the best.
Sincerely,
Dr Parth Desai
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Anil Parth Desai

Pathologist and Microbiologist

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 593 Questions

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What Causes Bruising On Skin Upon Scratching?

Brief Answer: Hi I would recommend a blood test and a coagulation profile study. Detailed Answer: Hello mam, I did review your concern. Easy superficial skin bruising as that on scratching or light trauma can be due to either a vessel problem or a platelet problem. It could rarely be a coagulation problem which is less likely at this age and in females. To know more about your problem, the best first test to undergo would be a complete blood test which includes platelet count, hemoglobin, white cell count, red cell count and differential white cells and morphological analysis of peripheral blood smear. Also if possible a PT and a APTT test should be simultaneously done.This primary investigational study will help us further study and management. I am suspecting low platelet count or problem in platelet function as a primary possibility in your case as it is most common reason for easy bruising at this age. But first we need to confirm it by the above mentioned test. So, all in all, I would recommend- 1)Complete blood report. 2)PT and APTT. Also let me know if you have any associated symptoms like recent fever, weight loss, night sweats or liver problem. I hope this helps mam. Let me know if you have any more questions or concerns. I will be more than happy to help you. wish you all the best Sincerely, Dr Parth Desai