Small Purple/Red Bruises

[PAP48]

I’ve just noticed several small red/purple dots/bruises on one forearm. Does anyone else have these or know what they are? I’m on Rivaroxaban and Flecainide and I read somewhere they could be caused by blood thinners? Any info greatly received.

[Desanthony]

These type of things actually do come with age even my wife gets them now at 62 ! Her skin has thinned due to the use of steroids for her lung conditions. not so much to do with age 😜Also I believe these can be brought on by anticoagulants too and I get them a lot more now with apixaban than I did previously. If you are worried talk to your pharmacist or practice nurse.

[PAP48 in reply to Desanthony]

Thank you, I’m 74, young of course! I too take steroid inhalers for chest probs, salbutamol nebuliser etc. If it continues I will speak to a health person.

[BobD Volunteer]

Subcutaneous capilliary bleeds. For some strange reason I get a stripe about 1 inch by 1/4 on my left arm every time I take an engine to the test house. Must be something I knock against. whilst insatalling it. usually fades in a week or so.

[PAP48 in reply to BobD]

Thank you. These are on the inside of my right arm and just keep ‘pinging’ up. Can’t think that I’ve knocked my arm.

[Hidden]

I've had something similar, usually in my hands, and not associated with knocking myself. I feel a sudden minor stinging sensation for a second which develops into a small, very intense purple bruise. As BobD said, likely small capilliary bleeds. I'm not taking anticoagulants but they can happen to anyone. Possibly it's more evident if you are taking anticoags because it'll take a tiny bit longer for platelets to staunch the bleed?

[Budken]

They are a sign of your age, just like liver spots. As we age, our skin becomes thinner, and subject to damage more easily. These can also be caused by taking blood thinners.

[PAP48 in reply to Budken]

Thank you. Yes just had them checked by GP and that’s exactly what she said. I’ve been on blood thinners for several years. Just needed them checked to be sure.

[DawnTX]

I can only speak for myself but yes since being on a blood thinner I get bruises easily even from my dog if he jumps up and leans on my leg. I had seen even dark almost black bruises on some people and now I realize why. Knock wood for some reason I seem to be seeing fewer. I had taken three bad falls a few months ago and oh my goodness did I bruise. The first I landed with both palms down on the ground and my hands were almost dark purple. One other fall I start it with one bruise on my lower leg which spiderwebbed like a broken car windshield and covered my entire lower leg. That was the day after the fall. I am considering a clothing line made of bubble wrap lol since my last procedure though I seem to be staying upright much better. Think about things that you may do that you’re not even aware of or if you have a pet that may have a regular routine with you that seemed like nothing before. My cat thinks nothing of walking across me but now she almost leaves foot prints at times.

[PAP48 in reply to DawnTX]

Thank you for your reply. Yep - definitely the blood thinners making me bruise more easily, not sure what has bruised me on my arms but having had my GP have a look, I'm more reassured now. Of course, I had Googled, worse thing to do, comes up with all sorts of nasty things! That'll teach me.

[djmnet]

It's your anticoagulant -- causes you to bruise easily from the slightest bump against something. Don't worry; they'll fade within a week or so.

[PAP48 in reply to djmnet]

Thank you for your reply, yes they are fading so I've stopped worrying, especially as my GP has had a look and yes, the blood thinners making bruising easier, not to mention my advanced years!