What's making me bruise so easily from the slightest knock? ASK DR MARTIN SCURR trends now
Q: For the past ten years or so, I’ve suffered frequent bruising to my arms — often from the slightest knock. I’m 74; is this something that can be cured, or will I simply have to live with it?
Stephen Young, by email.
Dr Martin Scurr replies: A bruise occurs when blood leaks from tiny blood vessels called capillaries, and collects under the skin.
When there has been no obvious injury or when the extent of bruising is out of proportion to the trauma, we use the term ‘easy bruising’.
Age is a major factor because, as we get older, the layer of fat beneath the skin that acts as a cushion against knocks and blows starts to thin, leaving the blood vessels less protected and more easily injured.
Age is a major factor in 'easy bruising' because, as we get older, the layer of fat beneath the skin that acts as a cushion against knocks and blows starts to thin
This kind of ‘easy bruising’ shows up more on the arms and legs simply because they are the most exposed parts and most likely to be knocked, even below your level of awareness.
The head, face and trunk aren’t so exposed to knocks from day to day — so any spontaneous bruising in these areas would be more of a concern.
Some medications, including aspirin, ibuprofen and anticoagulants such as warfarin can interfere with blood-clotting mechanisms and make bruises after minor impact more likely.
Other medication like corticosteroids (such as prednisolone) cause thinning and increased fragility of the skin which can increase the risk of widespread bruising, again most commonly affecting the limbs.
Some natural remedies, for example ginkgo biloba and ginseng, are thought to be linked to easy bruising, and while there’s not a huge amount of research of this, it may be a potential risk factor for you to consider.
Your best strategy is probably protection — this means wearing long sleeves as you go about your daily activities.
Q: I woke up one morning about six months ago with a pain in my hip which has never gone away. An X-ray showed this to be bursitis. I do the exercises I was given — but the pain is getting worse.
On a visit to my GP I was told a steroid jab may help, but no one at the practice could give me this. The pain wakes me up at night.
Heddy Bell, Fife.
Dr Martin Scurr replies: I am sorry to hear about your pain, and my feeling is that you should seek a referral for the steroid injection your practice mentioned.
