Have Painless Bruise On Hip. Any Ideas What Could Be Causing This?

Posted on Wed, 17 Apr 2013

Question: Hello, I have a small bruise on my outer right hip. Male 59. No pain but has persisted for 2-3 months .. varies little in appearance over that time. Really only notice it in the shower :) Any ideas please. XXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Rajiv K Khandelwal (1 hour later)

Hi,

Thank you for your query.

I thought that the report that you had attached would be a photograph of the bruise which would have helped me in giving you some suggestions. I suggest that you upload a photograph of the area for me to have a look.

If the bruise has been there for 2-3 months and is not changing in size and colour then it is not a bruise but some skin discolouration.

I hope I have answered your query to your satisfaction. Please feel free to revert back in case you need any clarifications or would like to share more facts.

Wishing you all the best.

Regards,

Rajiv K Khandelwal
http://goo.gl/SuCjl

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Rajiv K Khandelwal (27 hours later)

Hi XXXXXXX

Thank you for your prompt reply and your opinion.
I suspect you are correct that skin is discoulored rather than bruised.

The spot was difficult to photograph but I have had a go and attached the resulting picture. I have added so arrows to highlight to area.

As in my original question I really only notice the spot while showering. I have now realized it comes to my attention because it itches slightly while showering.

To me, in the photograph, the spot looks more like a small eczema patch than a bruise. Many years ago I developed some general eczema that lasted several months as an allergic reaction to eating large quantities of oranges.

Do you think this might be a minor eczema outbreak or some other type of skin irritation .. I was also wondering if it might be fungal .. I think there are over the counter preparations I could try for such things..

Looking forward to your reply.

Thanks Again
XXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Rajiv K Khandelwal (7 minutes later)

Hi XXXXXXX

Thank you for the update and the photograph.

It is definitely neither a bruise nor a fungal infection. I observe scaling of the superficial skin. You need not worry about it but if it troubles you a lot then you can apply some bland ointment or oil and observe. In case there is no improvement in a week's time then you can use a mild steroid ointment for a couple of days.

I hope I have responded to your query to your satisfaction.

Regards,

Rajiv

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar