What is senile purpura? Senile purpura is benign, easy bruising that affects older adults. It’s sometimes called actinic purpura. This occurs because the skin and the blood vessels become more fragile as we age, making it easier for our skin to bruise from minor trauma.

What causes deep purple bruising without injury?

You may begin to bruise easily if you aren’t getting enough iron. That’s because your body needs iron to keep your blood cells healthy. If your blood cells aren’t healthy, your body won’t be able to get the oxygen that it needs to function. This may make your skin more susceptible to bruising.

What causes purple spots on elderly skin?

Aging skin is thought to be the most common cause of senile purpura. As the body ages, the skin becomes thinner and more delicate. Over time, exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays weakens the connective tissues that hold the blood vessels in their place.

What do small purple bruises mean?

Purpura occurs when small blood vessels burst, causing blood to pool under the skin. This can create purple spots on the skin that range in size from small dots to large patches. Purpura spots are generally benign, but may indicate a more serious medical condition, such as a blood clotting disorder.

What causes bruising in senior citizens?

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.

Does senile purpura go away?

Senile purpura is not dangerous and is completely benign, but unless changes are made, the condition is likely to be recurring. Wearing sunblock can help protect your skin from further sun damage. Most purpuric lesions last between one and three weeks, though the discoloration may be permanent after they fade.

What cancers cause bruising?

You’ve likely heard of the most common forms: leukaemia, myeloma and lymphoma. Leukaemia and myeloma happen when there are too many abnormal cells in the blood and bone marrow (where blood cells are made). It means not enough normal blood cells are produced, which can cause anaemia, infections and bruising or bleeding.

How do you treat bruises in the 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 Vitamin Are you 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.

What medications cause purpura?

Other drugs associated with drug purpura include the following:

• Antibiotics (eg, cephalosporins, rifampicin)
• Gold salts.
• Analgesics.
• Neuroleptics.
• Diuretics.
• Antihypertensives.

When should I be concerned about purpura?

Patients who experience purpura with any of the following symptoms should seek medical treatment: Low platelet count, which may lead to increased bleeding after an injury, bleeding gums or nose, or blood in urine or bowel movements. Sore, swollen joints, particularly in the ankles and knees.

What bruises should you worry about?

Call the doctor if the bruise is accompanied by swelling and extreme pain, especially if you take a blood-thinning medication for a medical condition. Call the doctor if bruising occurs easily or for no apparent reason. Call the doctor if the bruise is painful and under a toenail or fingernail.

Is Purpura an emergency?

Purpura fulminans is a rare, life-threatening disease state, classically defined as a cutaneous marker of disseminated intravascular coagulation, which can be present in both infective and non-infective disease states [1].

What medications cause bruising?

Some medicines can cause easy bruising and bleeding. Examples are aspirin, pain medicines like ibuprofen (Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve), and blood thinners. If you take one of these medicines, talk to your doctor to see if you should keep taking the medicine.

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.