Bruises on legs

[Bobbydoodle]

Hi

I have APS and Lupus SLE.

Medications: Warfarin, Hydroxychloroquine and Vitamin D and also HRT patches.

I recently have a few small bruises on my legs which are not from trauma they just appeared.

Is this normal? They are not large bruises just about 6 small ones in different areas not grouped together.

[lupus-support1 Administrator]

As you are on blood thinners, you will easily bleed & bruises will appear. I am covered in bruises!

If you are worried, see your doctor. Never rely on anyone or Dr Google!

With good wishes,

Ros

[Bobbydoodle in reply to lupus-support1]

Thank you 😊 As they are only small I’m not too worried but will definitely consult my doctor if I get more or larger ones.

[MaryF Administrator]

Do photograph your symptoms, so that when you visit the GP, you have the evidence, it does help, it may be nothing but good to check in with them. MaryF

[Treetop33]

I am on clopidogrel, pred and zentiva for lupus and APS and I get bruises all the time on my legs in particular, but sometimes on my hands, arms and hips too. Unrelated to any trauma (and sometimes I bang myself and get very little bruising). I was told it's a medication side effect, but they also come and go...sometimes I'm covered and other times not, and it seems to relate to disease activity.

[GinaD]

As we age we lose muscle. And muscles help protect the tissues around them from harm. Do take that picture and do speak with your doctor. But you might consider some leg exercises.

[Bobbydoodle in reply to GinaD]

This makes sense as I definitely have lost muscle and I do need to exercise my legs more. My legs are the worst affected swelling and pain wise by the Lupus (or maybe the APS as I’m unsure which symptoms are for which illness 🤷🏻‍♀️)

[KellyInTexas Administrator]

On another note, make sure your doctor is fully clued up on HRT and APS clotting concerns.

It is noteworthy that there is not alignment in APS specialists thinking in this particular area, other than use extreme prudence when using, monitor closely, and obviously nothing oral, and make changes if needed.

This lack of precise and rigid allignment might be, like all things, a good thing! It could allow for evaluation of each patient’s personal history, current situation, etc.

Personally, I know I cannot ever have any form of HRT at all. My gynecologist let my hematologist have the final say on this matter.

I personally would advise you not to overlook asking about the possibility (only possibility) that HRT should be evaluated for adjusting? Could your bruising be a result of tiny little clots in the superficial veins very near the surface of skin?