According to the Mayo Clinic, skin becomes thinner with age, resulting in a smaller barrier between skin and the blood vessels that burst to cause bruising. Skin also loses some of its fatty layer as the body ages, and this fatty layer cushions blood vessels, allowing them to absorb impact rather than burst.

What causes purple bruising on forearms?

Purpura, often called Senile Purpura, are a common benign condition of recurrent bruises that form on the backs of the hands as well as the tops of the forearms and shins as a result of minor trauma.

What causes a bruised forearm?

Bruised muscles are often the result of blunt force or trauma to your body. This type of injury is most common in direct contact sports. You can also bruise a muscle from a hard fall or colliding with a hard surface.

What helps with bruising in elderly?

Apply a cold compress to the bruise for 20 minutes to reduce the blood flow to the area. This may reduce the size of the bruise and decrease inflammation. Elevate the bruised area if at all possible. Wrapping the area with a compression bandage can help decrease swelling.

What causes bruising in the elderly?

Bruises in elderly people frequently occur because their skin has become thinner with age. The tissues that support the underlying blood vessels have become more fragile. Bruises are also more common in those taking medicine to thin the blood.

What health conditions cause bruising?

Medical conditions that cause easy bruising

• Cushing’s syndrome.
• end stage kidney disease.
• factor II, V, VII, or X deficiency (proteins in the blood needed for proper clotting)
• hemophilia A (deficiency of factor VIII)
• hemophilia B (deficiency of factor IX), also known as “Christmas disease”
• leukemia.
• liver disease.

How do you know if a bruise is serious?

See your doctor or visit State Urgent Care right away if you notice any of the following symptoms:

1. Abnormal bleeding in the gums, frequent nose bleeds or blood in the urine or stool.
2. Frequent very large, very painful bruises.
3. Numbness or weakness anywhere in the injured limb.
4. Swelling around the bruised skin.

How do you prevent bone bruising?

Eating a diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and protein can help the healing process. Avoid smoking, as it can delay bone healing. In rare cases, the body may struggle to return blood flow to the injured area, causing avascular necrosis of the bone.

What vitamin is lacking when you bruise easily?

Low on Vitamin C This essential vitamin helps make collagen, an important protein that keeps your blood vessels healthy. If you don’t get enough vitamin C in your diet, you may notice that you bruise easily.

Do elderly bruise easily?

Share this article: As they age, seniors experience physical changes inside and out. Aging skin bruises easily, which can be sensitive and painful. Bruises, also called contusions, occur when trauma damages or ruptures tiny blood vessels beneath the skin.

What is a good cream for bruises?

Arnica. Arnica is a homeopathic herb that is said to reduce inflammation and swelling, thus making it an ideal treatment for bruising. A 2010 study found that topical arnica ointment effectively reduced laser-induced bruising. You can use an arnica ointment or gel on the bruise a few times per day.

Why do older people’s arms bruise easily?

Some people — especially women — are more prone to bruising than others. As you get older, your skin also becomes thinner and loses some of the protective fatty layer that helps cushion your blood vessels from injury.