Unexplained Bruises and Swellings: What Could Be Happening?

Unexplained bruising and lumps?

Hello, doctor.
Recently, I have been experiencing frequent bruising and swelling in my legs, but I don't recall hitting anything.
It usually starts with itching, followed by the discovery of a lump and a bruise.
There is also a lump left behind from a bruise on the back of my buttocks.
Could you please tell me what this condition might be? Thank you!

Chris, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/03/14

Dr. Liao Yaopan reply Family Medicine

Hello, regarding your concerns, it is recommended that you have your family physician conduct a personal examination and assessment.
Online consultations are not equivalent to in-person medical care and cannot provide diagnoses or treatment recommendations.
Changhua Hospital cares about you.

Reply Date: 2021/03/14

More Info

Unexplained bruises and swellings can be concerning, especially when they appear without any clear cause or injury. It’s important to understand that bruising occurs when small blood vessels, or capillaries, break and leak blood into the surrounding tissue. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, and when it occurs without any apparent trauma, it may indicate an underlying health issue.

There are several potential causes for unexplained bruising and swelling:
1. Vascular Issues: Conditions that affect blood vessels can lead to easy bruising. For example, vasculitis, which is inflammation of the blood vessels, can cause bruising and swelling.
2. Platelet Disorders: If your body is not producing enough platelets or if the platelets are not functioning properly, you may experience easy bruising. Conditions such as thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) can lead to this symptom.
3. Clotting Disorders: Hemophilia and other clotting disorders can result in excessive bruising. These conditions affect the blood's ability to clot properly, leading to prolonged bleeding and bruising.

4. Medications: Certain medications, particularly blood thinners (like warfarin or aspirin), can increase the likelihood of bruising. If you are taking any medications, it’s important to discuss them with your healthcare provider.

5. Nutritional Deficiencies: A lack of certain vitamins, particularly vitamin C (scurvy) and vitamin K, can lead to easy bruising. Vitamin C is essential for collagen production, which helps maintain the integrity of blood vessels.

6. Infections: Some infections can lead to symptoms that include bruising and swelling. For example, conditions like septicemia can cause bleeding under the skin.

7. Underlying Medical Conditions: Conditions such as liver disease, kidney disease, or certain cancers can also manifest as unexplained bruising. These conditions can affect the body’s ability to produce clotting factors or platelets.

Given your symptoms of itching followed by swelling and bruising, it would be prudent to consult with a healthcare professional. They may perform a physical examination and order blood tests to evaluate your platelet count, clotting factors, and overall blood health.
In the meantime, it’s advisable to monitor your symptoms closely. Take note of any additional symptoms you may experience, such as fatigue, fever, or changes in your skin color, as these can provide valuable information to your healthcare provider.
It’s also important to avoid any activities that could lead to further injury while you are experiencing these symptoms. If you notice any sudden changes, such as increased bruising, swelling, or if you experience pain, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly.

In summary, unexplained bruises and swellings can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from benign to serious conditions. A thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional is necessary to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a doctor to discuss your symptoms and get the care you need.

Similar Q&A

Unexplained Bruising on Hands: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help

If there are unexplained bruises on the hand, it could be indicative of several conditions. Initially, there may be swelling that subsides after a couple of days, but the bruising persists. To seek medical evaluation, you should schedule an appointment with a hematologist or a pr...

Dr. Chen Shunsheng reply Rare Disease
Consult Internal Medicine, Hematology.

Unexplained Bruises and Swelling on Feet: Seeking Solutions

I have had a wound on my foot since a cut at the swimming pool a year ago, which has formed a scab that has not fallen off for a long time. I have started to experience unexplained bruising and swelling, which has been increasing. It is painful when pressed, and the joint where m...

Dr. Ke Taiyuan reply Internal Medicine
However, based on the current description, a definitive diagnosis cannot be established. It is recommended to visit the internal medicine outpatient department at a hospital. If there are frequent unexplained bruises, a blood test to check for coagulation function issues may be w...

Unexplained Bruises and Itching: Understanding Possible Causes

Hello Doctor: In the past month, I have experienced unexplained bruising on both my left and right arms, each occurring once. Initially, the affected area felt itchy, and after lightly scratching it, I noticed some blood streaks. I could also feel a small hard lump, approximately...

Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Hello: It sounds like it could be a case of subcutaneous bleeding. Please visit the hematology clinic to check your platelet count and coagulation function. Additionally, make sure to consume plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables to supplement your vitamin C intake. Thank you!

Understanding Unexplained Bruising on the Palm: Causes and Concerns

Hello doctor, this morning I suddenly felt a swelling sensation in my right palm. In the afternoon, I noticed bruising and swelling below my thumb (as indicated in the image in the following link). However, there was no impact, sports injury, or anything similar. I would like to ...

Dr. Yu Liying reply Internal Medicine
Hello, Miss Xiao Zhang. In fact, the area around the palm is particularly susceptible to pressure or impact when we least expect it! If there is localized swelling or bruising that shows signs of spreading, or if unexplained bruising and swelling appear in other areas, it is advi...