Frequent and benign, the bruises correspond to effusions of blood that we call “bruises”. What causes a bruise? What diseases can cause it?
A bruise is what is called commonly a bruise. You may have bruises on all areas of the skin. Black eyes are a bruise of the eyelids. “At the level of the mouth, he will rather speak of hemorrhage under the mucous membrane“says Dr. Perez, pediatrician. The bruise is most often the consequence of superficial trauma but it can also be caused by disease. How does a bruise develop? How to treat it?
Definition: what is a bruise?
A bruise is what is commonly called a bruise. It’s the trace on the skin ofa small spill of blood diffuse and slightly or not at all swollen and which manifests itself by a blue/purplish spot. “This is blood that forms under the skin and forms a visible, therefore blue spot.“explains Dr. Noémie Perez.
What causes a bruise?
The bruise is most often the consequence of superficial trauma : blow, fall, shock, pinch, bite… It can also be caused by a pressure such as over the shoulder or arm when carrying a heavy bag over the shoulder, by a hickey or even a blood test. “Spontaneous bruising may also occur in people who lack platelets, who have bleeding disorders such as hemophiliawho are taking anti-thrombotic or anticoagulant treatment“adds Dr. Perez. Thus bruises are benign except when they are a sign of hemostasis disease and that they are spontaneous and appear all over the body.
What diseases cause bruising?
Those at risk are “all people who have a coagulation deficiency such as hemophiliacsall those who take anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs (Aspirin®Plavix®…)” explains Dr. Perez. And to continue: “There may also be bruising due to capillary or vascular fragility often hereditaryas well as in the case of rheumatoid purpura in children since this immune disease affects and weakens the blood vessels“.
What is the difference between a bruise and a hematoma?
The bruise and the hematoma both correspond to an effusion of blood most often following a trauma. But as soon as there is an increase in volume, i.e. a bump, we’re talking abouthematoma.
The bruise is a little painful at the beginning, ie right after the contusion. Its natural evolution changes from purple to blue, then from green to yellow until it disappears completely without a trace. “This phenomenon is due to the degradation of hemoglobin pigments“explains Dr. Perez.
Bruises are benign and there is nothing to do but wait for them to go away on their own. Arnica cream or mother tincture as well as hemoclar are sometimes offered”but it is definitely a placebo effect“suggests our interlocutor.
Thanks to Dr Noémie Perez, pediatrician