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What Causes Bluish Bruising All Over The Body?

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Posted on Thu, 22 May 2014
Question: Hi, I am 84 years old and my thin skin will generate ugly, bluish bruses when just slightly bumped. They
also easily bleed. My dermitologist recommended Rutin for the condition, but I don't know which brands are effective for my condition and would like to know which ones you recommend.
XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sanjay Kumar Kanodia (49 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Go for BT, CT, APPT & platelet counts

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Welcome and thanks for posting your query to forum.

I can understand your concern for bruises all over body.

Regarding the problem of bruises which we call medically as "purpuric or ecchymotic spots" is common condition seen due to multiple causes.

In your case it might be a normal phenomenon due to thinning of skin which is known as "Senile Purpura" or can be due to certain other factors involved.

To guide you elaborately- Bruise or the purpura is simply formed due to extravasation and collection of red blood cells from the vessels under the skin. This results in formation of reddish spots which we call as Bruise in simple language.

There are multiple of factors causing extravasation of red blood cells from the vessels-

1. Due to trauma to the small blood vessels of the skin.

2. Due to some problem in the platelets ( the cells which prevents the extravasation of red blood cells from the vessels and forms the clot).

3. Due to problem with the coagulation factors which helps in repair of the injury to blood vessels and helps in clot formation.

4. Due to combination of all these factors.

So you can probably get simply the factors involved in the bruising. Now as I mentioned previously that in your case it can be normal phenomenon or can be due to certain other problems which you have mentioned in your medical history.

For the best part of the diagnosis and differentiate between normal "senile Purpura" or purpura due to any abnormal cause there are simple tests of platelet function and coagulation factors. These tests are:

- Bleeding time ( BT)
- Clotting time (CT)
- Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) test
- Platelet counts

These are done routinely in all the laboratories to rule out the exact cause of the problem. If these tests are normal then you can rest assured and relieve your tensions regarding the bruises. Otherwise also if the tests are abnormal then a physician reference is required.

In my patients of your kind of problem I prefer to do these above tests to rule out any internal cause of the problem.

Regarding Rutin- This can be used as one of therapy to reduce the tendency. Any of the brands can be taken and there is no difference in these.

In my patients with Senile purpura I prefer Vitamin C as first line therapy. Vitamin C is required for the synthesis of collagen, an important structural component of blood vessels and therefore for the strength of blood vessels and prevention of spots. Along with Vitamin C tablets I suggest my patients to consume a lot of Citrus fruits like oranges, guava and lemon juice.

Additionally I suggest you to do sun protection as sun damage also sometimes aggravates the condition.

I suggest you to please go for the tests first and tell me the results so that accordingly guidance and treatment can be taken.

I hope these information's will help you. If you have further queries I will be happy to help.

"Wish you good health and early recovery from the problem"

Regards,
Dr Sanjay Kumar Kanodia
MD (Dermatology)
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sanjay Kumar Kanodia (44 minutes later)
Dr. Kanodia,
Thank you for the very fine explanation and discussion of the possible causes of my condition.

However, I am a patiernt of a Mayo Clinic dermatologists, and he recommended that I take Rutin, but did not tell which brands are effective for my condition. In addition, I have a yearly physical and all the tests that could flag any serious condition, so all I need is the names of some Rutin brands that have proved to be effective for the patients in your practice. He diagnosed my condition as Senile Purpurpa. Since my case is peer reviewed, certaily some of the other doctors should have the information I want.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sanjay Kumar Kanodia (8 hours later)
Brief Answer:
YOu can take any of OTC brand with plane Rutin

Detailed Answer:
Hello Sir,

Welcome again to the forum and thanks for adding informations to your condition.

I am quiet relaxed to know that your routine checkup had been done and accordingly the condition is diagnosed as "Senile Purpura".

Coming directly on Rutin now- It is available by brand name of "RUTIN" only and is an over the counter product marketed by multiple companies. You can purchase any of the brands and there is no difference in plane rutin of various companies. Do not take any combination as it is available for various other condition too. You have to take one tablet per day after meals an time in day or night.

If at all you want to use in combination form then you can utilize one important part that if you are not taking an antioxidant capsule then a combination product of "Bio-Rutin Complex" is also available.

It contains combination of mixed bioflavonoids, rutin and associated factors which can be utilized best. The additional flavonoids will act as antioxidant thereby protecting the harsh effects of various environmental and internal factors.

As guided previously I also suggest you to kindly take all vitamin C containing fruits or citrus fruits such as orange, grapefruit, lemon, and lime apple and berries containing some amount of rutin also thereby naturally helping you best in your condition.

I hope these information's will help you. If you have further queries I will be happy to help or if not then can close the discussion and rate the answer.

"Wish you good health and early recovery from the problem"

Regards,
Dr Sanjay Kumar Kanodia
MD (Dermatology)
MD (Dermatology)
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Sanjay Kumar Kanodia

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 4165 Questions

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What Causes Bluish Bruising All Over The Body?

Brief Answer: Go for BT, CT, APPT & platelet counts Detailed Answer: Hello, Welcome and thanks for posting your query to forum. I can understand your concern for bruises all over body. Regarding the problem of bruises which we call medically as "purpuric or ecchymotic spots" is common condition seen due to multiple causes. In your case it might be a normal phenomenon due to thinning of skin which is known as "Senile Purpura" or can be due to certain other factors involved. To guide you elaborately- Bruise or the purpura is simply formed due to extravasation and collection of red blood cells from the vessels under the skin. This results in formation of reddish spots which we call as Bruise in simple language. There are multiple of factors causing extravasation of red blood cells from the vessels- 1. Due to trauma to the small blood vessels of the skin. 2. Due to some problem in the platelets ( the cells which prevents the extravasation of red blood cells from the vessels and forms the clot). 3. Due to problem with the coagulation factors which helps in repair of the injury to blood vessels and helps in clot formation. 4. Due to combination of all these factors. So you can probably get simply the factors involved in the bruising. Now as I mentioned previously that in your case it can be normal phenomenon or can be due to certain other problems which you have mentioned in your medical history. For the best part of the diagnosis and differentiate between normal "senile Purpura" or purpura due to any abnormal cause there are simple tests of platelet function and coagulation factors. These tests are: - Bleeding time ( BT) - Clotting time (CT) - Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) test - Platelet counts These are done routinely in all the laboratories to rule out the exact cause of the problem. If these tests are normal then you can rest assured and relieve your tensions regarding the bruises. Otherwise also if the tests are abnormal then a physician reference is required. In my patients of your kind of problem I prefer to do these above tests to rule out any internal cause of the problem. Regarding Rutin- This can be used as one of therapy to reduce the tendency. Any of the brands can be taken and there is no difference in these. In my patients with Senile purpura I prefer Vitamin C as first line therapy. Vitamin C is required for the synthesis of collagen, an important structural component of blood vessels and therefore for the strength of blood vessels and prevention of spots. Along with Vitamin C tablets I suggest my patients to consume a lot of Citrus fruits like oranges, guava and lemon juice. Additionally I suggest you to do sun protection as sun damage also sometimes aggravates the condition. I suggest you to please go for the tests first and tell me the results so that accordingly guidance and treatment can be taken. I hope these information's will help you. If you have further queries I will be happy to help. "Wish you good health and early recovery from the problem" Regards, Dr Sanjay Kumar Kanodia MD (Dermatology)