Question: My wife bruises very easily. What can she do?
Dr. Hibberd's Response:
Bruising with daily activities is a red flag for immediate medical consultation. Bruising with no trauma suggests your wife may be at high risk for spontaneous internal bleeding. This may occur suddenly and without warning, so it is imperative she have blood testing and urgent evaluation without delay. Alleviating this problem will depend upon whether her platelets or her coagulation system are at fault.
Many times aspirin, ibuprofen, Aleve, and over the counter cold products will decrease platelet function enough to cause visible bruising, but is usually in conjunction with other medical disorders. Have this evaluated, then correct the underlying condition or deficiency and/or stop the offending agent. Remember that vitamin C deficiency still occurs and usually presents with "liver spots" and gum bleeding, but can cause easy bruising as well.
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