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What Causes Purple Bruise-like Spots Post Arm Injury?
Question: G/morning Drs.
Last week or two ago I fell on something and scraped my arm and wanted you to take a look at the pic I am going to send and ask you if you think its infected or not!?
Its not warm to the touch, swollen or painful but it seem like its taking longer then it should to heal!
The dark spot you is definitely a scab and I have XXXXXXX trying hard not to pick it off and just let it heal.
I was using Bacitracin on it and covering with a band aid but it seems as if not covering it that its doing better!
Any suggestion?
BTW...the dark purple spots are bruises as I'm 69 and tend to bruise easily...Most of the bruises appear to be Senile Purpura from what I have been told! Most last for awhile but eventuallly dis-appear
Thanks
Last week or two ago I fell on something and scraped my arm and wanted you to take a look at the pic I am going to send and ask you if you think its infected or not!?
Its not warm to the touch, swollen or painful but it seem like its taking longer then it should to heal!
The dark spot you is definitely a scab and I have XXXXXXX trying hard not to pick it off and just let it heal.
I was using Bacitracin on it and covering with a band aid but it seems as if not covering it that its doing better!
Any suggestion?
BTW...the dark purple spots are bruises as I'm 69 and tend to bruise easily...Most of the bruises appear to be Senile Purpura from what I have been told! Most last for awhile but eventuallly dis-appear
Thanks
Brief Answer:
It doesn't look like an infection
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
although closely examining such a lesion is the only way to determine whether there is indeed suspicion for an infection or not, the picture seems like a healing lesion without signs of infection.
If there is no warmth or significant pain you should just give it some time. Do not pick the dark spot, let it disappear by itself. There is no need for local antibiotics. Avoid using Bacitracin without medical advice because you promote the development of resistant Staphylococci.
The healing process can be delayed as we age, so just give it a week or so more, unless suspicious signs develop, like warmth, pain and swelling.
I hope I've helped!
Contact me again, if you'd like to ask for clarifications.
Kind regards!
It doesn't look like an infection
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
although closely examining such a lesion is the only way to determine whether there is indeed suspicion for an infection or not, the picture seems like a healing lesion without signs of infection.
If there is no warmth or significant pain you should just give it some time. Do not pick the dark spot, let it disappear by itself. There is no need for local antibiotics. Avoid using Bacitracin without medical advice because you promote the development of resistant Staphylococci.
The healing process can be delayed as we age, so just give it a week or so more, unless suspicious signs develop, like warmth, pain and swelling.
I hope I've helped!
Contact me again, if you'd like to ask for clarifications.
Kind regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
G/morning DR,
I have a question somewhat along the same lines but a bit different.................
While cleaning under my computer yesterday I scraped my arm on one of the metal shelf bracket holders and it bled a bit at first but I poured alcohol on it and then some hydrogen peroxide.
The metal was not rusty but appeared to be painted or powder coated,,,,,,,,
Would I need a tetnas shot?
Its been over 20 years since I had one.
I have cut myself in the past and never had any problems
I have a question somewhat along the same lines but a bit different.................
While cleaning under my computer yesterday I scraped my arm on one of the metal shelf bracket holders and it bled a bit at first but I poured alcohol on it and then some hydrogen peroxide.
The metal was not rusty but appeared to be painted or powder coated,,,,,,,,
Would I need a tetnas shot?
Its been over 20 years since I had one.
I have cut myself in the past and never had any problems
Brief Answer:
You need a tetanus vaccine
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Vaccination for tetanus has to be repeated every 10 years unless an unfavorable incident occurs earlier. If you've taken a three dose regimen at least once in the past then only a repeat vaccination is required for full protection. But don't be alarmed, tetanus is - thankfully - a very rare infection.
Kind Regards!
You need a tetanus vaccine
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Vaccination for tetanus has to be repeated every 10 years unless an unfavorable incident occurs earlier. If you've taken a three dose regimen at least once in the past then only a repeat vaccination is required for full protection. But don't be alarmed, tetanus is - thankfully - a very rare infection.
Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
What happens Dt if I dont get a tetnaus shot?
Will I still be ok?
Will I still be ok?
Brief Answer:
You're probably safe but not 100%
Detailed Answer:
That's what I implied in my previous answer. Tetanus is such a rare disease that even if you don't do the vaccine, your risk is very very low. But you have to take into account that if this very very rare disease occurs to you, you'll be in serious trouble, so it's worth to do the vaccine.
Kind Regards!
You're probably safe but not 100%
Detailed Answer:
That's what I implied in my previous answer. Tetanus is such a rare disease that even if you don't do the vaccine, your risk is very very low. But you have to take into account that if this very very rare disease occurs to you, you'll be in serious trouble, so it's worth to do the vaccine.
Kind Regards!
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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