Elderly Skin Bruising: Causes & Prevention
Seniors experience physical changes on the inside and out as they get older. Aging skin bruises easily, which can be sensitive and painful. Bruises occur when trauma damages or ruptures tiny blood vessels beneath the skin. Bruising is most commonly caused by an injury, a fall, or a collision.
Why aging skin bruises easily
Aging, sun exposure, and genetics all contribute to skin thinning in the elderly. Skin retains less moisture and loses its elasticity, and people lose subcutaneous fat, which cushions and protects blood vessels, over time.
Senile purpura: a common, harmless kind of bruising in the elderly
The bruises are caused by bleeding under the skin on the arms and hands, and they can take up to three weeks to fade. Senile purpura is a type of senior bruising that does not result from serious trauma, despite the fact that it may appear to be an injury.
Bruising on legs and arms in seniors
Bruising on the arms and legs can be caused by medical procedures and everyday assistance, and it often occurs when a bedridden senior’s body begins to break down skin tissue, similar to bedsores.
Steps to help prevent common causes of elderly skin bruising
Consult a trusted expert to see if vitamin deficiencies could be a cause of easy bruising.
Unexplained bruising may be a sign of a medical condition or side effect
Prescription and over-the-counter medications can cause bruising in the elderly. Anemia causes easy bruising, but diet and supplements can help. Large bruises can be a sign of clotting disorders, such as deep vein thrombosis.
Old age bruising and elder abuse
Increased bruising is generally not a sign of abuse, but it can be a concern if the injury is self-inflicted. Elder abuse is defined as a knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver or other person that puts a vulnerable older adult in danger.
Do elderly bruise easily?
Bruises are more common in the elderly because their skin has thinned and the tissues that support the underlying blood vessels have become more fragile with age. Bruises are also more common in those taking blood thinners.
At what age do people start to bruise easily?
Frequent bruising for no apparent reason usually appears after the age of 55, but long-time sun worshippers may notice changes sooner; in fact, sun damage is thought to account for nearly all age-related changes in the skin for many people.
Is bruising common in the elderly?
Bruising is a common occurrence for most seniors; learn how to prevent and treat bruises. Bruising is one of the many changes that occurs with aging that may be frightening for family members to observe in senior loved ones.
What causes the elderly to bruise so easily?
Because of a combination of less subcutaneous (fat) tissue and more fragile blood vessels, many older men experience easy bruising.
How do you treat an elderly bruise?
If a bruise occurs as a result of a minor bump or fall, applying a cold compress to the affected area can help reduce bleeding and swelling. To avoid bruises in the first place, keep your living space clean and free of clutter or furniture that could cause tripping or bumping.
What Vitamin Am I lacking if I bruise easily?
Vitamin C deficiency This important vitamin aids in the production of collagen, an important protein that helps keep your blood vessels healthy; if you don’t get enough vitamin C in your diet, you may bruise easily.
Should I be concerned if I bruise easily?
If you have frequent, large bruises, especially if they appear on your trunk, back, or face, or if they appear for no apparent reason, consult your doctor.
Why have I suddenly started bruising easily?
When the blood vessels are weakened by diseases (such as scurvy), medications (such as aspirin, prednisone, and prednisolone), and aging, easy bruising can occur, as well as when blood-clotting elements are absent or deficient.
What deficiency causes easy bruising?
Why am I so prone to bruises?
- Blood disorders such as Von Willebrand disease, hemophilia, platelet function defects, or other blood clotting disorders.
- Domestic, child, or elder abuse.
- Severe alcohol abuse.
- Malnutrition.
How do you know when a bruise is serious?
When should you see a doctor about a bruise?
- Frequent very large, very painful bruises.
- Numbness or weakness anywhere in the injured limb.
- Swelling around the bruised skin.
- Loss of function in the affected area (joint, limb, or muscle)
Does low iron cause bruising?
If you don’t get enough iron, your body will need it to keep your blood cells healthy, and if your blood cells aren’t healthy, your body won’t be able to get the oxygen it needs to function, making your skin more prone to bruising.
What causes purple spots on elderly skin?
Senile purpura, also known as actinic purpura, is a benign, easy bruising condition that affects older adults. It occurs as the skin and blood vessels become more fragile as we age, making it easier for our skin to bruise from minor trauma.
Can kidney problems cause bruising?
Bruising is common in chronic kidney disease and dialysis patients due to a defect in platelets (blood clotting cells), which is one of the side effects of kidney failure.
At what age are you considered elderly?
According to the Social Security Administration, 9 out of 10 people over the age of 65 are eligible for Social Security benefits, and 65 is the legal age at which U.S. citizens are considered seniors.
Can High BP cause bruising?
Easy bleeding and bruising can be caused by problems with blood clotting or other illnesses, and high blood pressure can occur without any symptoms.