Who Can Get It
Hematomas can affect anyone who gets injured. Athletes can sustain muscle trauma, people over the age of 60 are more prone to muscle injuries, and anyone else can receive an injury to their head or body that can result in a hematoma.
Signs Of A Bleeding Disorder
A sudden increase in the number of unexplained bruises may be a warning sign of a serious disease or medical disorder, such as:
- Infections in the blood
- Certain types of cancer like Hodgkins disease, leukemia, or multiple myeloma
- Deficiencies in vitamins B12, C, K, or folic acid
You should seek medical attention if you notice more bruises appearing for no apparent reason. Also, see a healthcare provider immediately if bleeding under the skin is accompanied by:
- Severe pain in the affected area
- Bleeding through the skin
- Darkening of the affected skin
- Swelling in your extremities
What Is A Hematoma
A hematoma is not a bruise. It is a pooling of blood outside of the blood vessels deeper in the skin than a bruise occurs. Trauma is the most common cause of a hematoma. Depending on the cause, it can take anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks for a hematoma to go away.
Bruises and hematomas commonly get confused with each other. A bruise happens when capillaries get damaged due to trauma and the blood seeps into the top layer of your skin, causing discoloration. A hematoma happens when blood pools and clots underneath the skin and forms a swollen lump.
Many injuries can develop a hematoma and give the area a firm, lumpy appearance. If you have an injury, you might have more than a bruise. Its important to see your doctor if your bruise swells or becomes a firm lump, because it might mean something more severe happened under the skin.
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How To Get Rid Of A Hematoma
Fact Checked
A hematoma is a pooling of blood in a localized area under the skin. Contusions are mild forms of hematomas. Injuries such as falls and sprains cause hematomas, resulting in bumpy, reddish-purple or dark blue discoloration, swelling and tenderness. Head trauma could cause a more dangerous form of a hematoma, placing pressure on the brain. The pooled blood is absorbed by the body over time, unless infection occurs . Medical attention should be sought immediately following any head trauma beyond a simple bump on the noggin or at any sign of infection.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Apply ice to the affected area as quickly as possible after injury occurs. Cold reduces arterial blood flow, which decreases bleeding under the skin caused by broken blood vessels, and swelling. In the case of a severe fall or blunt trauma, seek medical attention to check for fractures.
Elevate injured area, using pillows or blankets, above your heart, if possible. This will reduce blood flow to the injury and alleviate further swelling.
Protect the injured area by wrapping it with an elastic bandage. This also will help in reducing swelling and pooling of blood. Apply gentle pressure when wrappingif it is too tight it could block blood flow completely, resulting in numbness and pain.
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Hematoma Signs And Symptoms
A person can see a hematoma when it affects the skin. The symptoms of a hematoma are more severe than those of a bruise.
Symptoms may appear immediately after the injury, or they may take several days to show up.
Hematoma signs and symptoms include:
- The bruise does not go away within 2 weeks.
- You have a pattern of bruising, such as large or frequent bruises or petechiae.
- The bruise is very swollen, painful, or increasing in size.
- You cannot move the bruised area.
- The bruise is affecting your eye or vision.
Also, contact a medical professional for symptoms of infection, such as fever, increased swelling, or pain.
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What To Expect At Your Office Visit
Your provider will examine you and ask questions about the bleeding, such as:
- Have you recently had an injury or accident?
- Have you been ill lately?
- Have you had radiation therapy or chemotherapy?
- What other medical treatments have you had?
- Do you take aspirin more than once a week?
- Do you take Coumadin, heparin, or other “blood thinners” ?
- Has the bleeding occurred repeatedly?
- Have you always had a tendency to bleed into the skin?
- Did the bleeding start in infancy ?
- Did it start with surgery or when you had a tooth pulled?
The following diagnostic tests may be performed:
- Coagulation tests including INR and prothrombin time
Treatment For Other Forms Of Purpura
Treatment for other forms of purpura centers around tackling the underlying cause, not the skin manifestation. This can include options such as chemotherapy, antiviral drugs, steroid medications, antibiotics, and surgery.
Many of these are specialized treatments that should be managed under the care of a hematologist.
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How A Doctor Determines The Cause Of Bleeding Into The Skin
If you develop bleeding into the skin with no known cause or that doesnt go away, contact your doctor immediately, even if the patches of blood are not painful.
Bleeding into the skin is easily identified through a visual inspection. However, to determine a cause, your doctor will need more information about the bleeding. After reviewing your medical history, your doctor will ask the following questions:
- When did you first notice the bleeding?
- Do you have any other symptoms?
- When did these symptoms begin?
- Do you play any contact sports or use heavy machinery?
- Have you recently injured the affected area?
- Does the area of bleeding hurt?
- Does the area itch?
- Do you have a family history of bleeding disorders?
Your doctor will also ask if you have any medical conditions or if youre being treated for anything. Make sure to let your doctor know if you are taking any herbal supplements or medications. Drugs such as aspirin, steroids, or blood thinners can cause bleeding into the skin. Answering these questions as accurately as possible will give your doctor clues about whether the bleeding under the skin is a side effect of medication you are taking or was caused by an underlying medical condition.
The doctor may give you a blood or urine test to check for the presence of infection or other medical conditions. If necessary, the doctor will also perform an imaging scan or an ultrasound of the area to diagnose any fractures or tissue injuries.
Treatment For Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Since the hemosiderin staining is a symptom of chronic venous insufficiency, you will also need to address that issue. Taking care of the vein condition will help make sure the skin discoloration and related symptoms donât get worse.
To manage it, your doctor may suggest lifestyle changes to improve circulation in your legs. This will prevent more blood from pooling in your feet and ankles. Some tactics that can help include:
- Avoid long periods of standing or sitting, and make sure to change positions or move your legs periodically if you must do these activities for a long time.
- Get regular exercise, even just walking.
- Lose weight if you are overweight.
- Elevate your legs when you sit or lie down.
- Wear compression stockings.
If your doctor is concerned about possible blood clots or wounds on your skin, they will suggest treatment for those issues. Medications, wound care, or vein surgery may be needed.â
Hemosiderin staining is something to be checked out since itâs related to the blood flow in your body. Taking steps to improve your circulation will help your overall health. Reducing the effects of chronic venous insufficiency will not only help the appearance of the skin, but it will reduce the chances of other complications. Talk to your doctor if you have these symptoms.
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What Is A Black Eye
A black eye is a bruise in the tissues around the eye. Depending on how it happened, it may be a good idea to get it checked out by a doctor in case you have a more serious injury. A black eye is also known as periorbital haematoma.
A black eye develops when fluids collect in the tissues around the eye. The bruising and blue and purple discolouration are caused by broken blood vessels under the skin. These tissues will usually be swollen too. The eye itself is not usually damaged.
A black eye can often look worse than it actually is. Thats because the skin around the eye is quite loose, thin and transparent, meaning it puffs up easily and even a little pooling of blood can cause discolouration.
Sometimes you might also have bleeding inside your eye, and this is a medical emergency that needs treatment. Alternatively, the white of your eye might be bright red because there is bleeding on the surface of the eye. This is not usually serious.
After a few days, the black and blue bruises will fade to yellow or green as the blood is reabsorbed into the body. Black eyes usually take up to 2 weeks to heal.
How To Prevent Or Heal Bruises
- Realize that some people bruise more easily than others, and stay bruised longer. This could be due to genetics, age, underlying illness or other causes.
- Press on the injured area to help keep bruising to a minimum, by preventing some of the blood leakages out of your vessels.
- Apply ice. This can slow down the rate of bleeding under the skin and help with pain/inflammation.
- Put your feet up. Raise the injured area above your heart to limit bleeding and swelling.
- Try arnica and/or bromelain, only after checking with your doctor. In pills or creams, these are said to reduce bruising and swelling. Bromelain is also found in pineapple juice.
- Follow the doctors instructions. The quicker your body heals, the quicker the bruise and other symptoms fade away.
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Treatment Of Bleeding Under The Skin In Dogs
For primary bleeding under the skin, no treatment is necessary, as bleeding will stop on its own and your dogs skin will return to normal. However, for bleeding under the skin as a symptom of an underlying disorder, treatment of the underlying disorder will be necessary. Specific treatments will depend upon the specific cause. In some cases, your dog may need to be hospitalized and stabilized through IV fluids for hydration and proper electrolyte balance and possible whole blood or packed red blood cell transfusion in the case of anemia or platelet transfusion in the case of a severe platelet deficiency.
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Visit Your Nearby Cincinnati Vein Treatment Clinic
As bruising subsides, your legs will look better each day, and youll have final results after a few weeks. Check out our Before & After photos. Recovery is typically problem free, but you can call your vein doctor anytime if you have concerns after your procedure. Find out which vein treatment is right for you at VIA Vein Center. Contact Vascular and Interventional Associates today.
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What Is A Bruise Or A Hematoma
Although bruises and hematomas may present similarly, they are different conditions.
A bruise, also known as a contusion, typically appears on the skin after trauma such as a blow to the body. It occurs when the small veins and capillaries under the skin break.
A hematoma is a collection of blood outside the blood vessel. Hematomas are classified as subdural, spinal, subungual or hepatic .
Recovery Of Bleeding Under The Skin In Cats
Your cats prognosis will vary depending on the cause of bleeding under the skin. In the case of bruising brought on by trauma, infections, or parasites, full recovery is likely with treatment. Some causes of bruising may be more serious and could require extended hospitalization and long-term treatment. Be sure to follow your veterinarians instructions for care, including providing the full course of any medications and returning for required follow-up visits. Support your pets recovery by feeding them a nutritious diet, providing plenty of fluids, and limiting stressors. Your cat may experience weakness for several days, so ensure their food, water, and bedding is nearby.
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Treatment Of Bleeding Under The Skin In Cats
Your veterinarians treatment plan will depend on their diagnosis of the underlying causes of the bruising or bleeding. Bleeding under the skin brought on by medical conditions will require medical treatment. Common treatment methods for bleeding under the skin in cats include:
Limited Mobility
Even in pets with bruising from minor trauma, limiting mobility may be recommended to prevent worsening of the bleeding. By minimizing the cats activity, the risk of complications is diminished.
Intravenous Fluids
In animals that are weak, anemic or at risk of dehydration, IV fluids will be administered to aid in recovery. This is a routine, low-risk technique generally used only while your pet is in veterinary care.
Blood Transfusions
If blood loss is severe, blood counts are low, or with some blood disorders, a blood transfusion may be necessary. With proper blood type matching and administration, this treatment carries a relatively low risk of side effects.
Surgery
Surgery may be required to drain blood or implant temporary drains. This is common with hematomas. Surgery might also be necessary to remove tumors or other masses. Surgery is conducted while the cat is under anesthesia and could require hospitalization during the recovery phase. Your veterinarian will decide if your pet is healthy enough to undergo a surgical procedure.
Cause-Specific Treatments
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Risk Factors And Prevention Of Purpura
Purpura itself is not a disease it is a symptom of another problem. The only effective method for preventing purpura is avoiding the conditions that cause it. As most of these conditions are not due to lifestyle factors, there is little a person can do to reduce the risk of purpura.
Risk factors for purpura include:
- blood clotting issues caused by medication or disease
- infectious diseases, particularly among children and the elderly
- poor nutrition when it leads to a lack of vitamin C
- some forms of cancer, such as leukemia and myeloma
- inflammatory conditions and disorders, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
The spots of purpura are fairly easy to tell apart from other rashes. Purpura may not be accompanied by itching or skin symptoms. Finding the underlying cause of purpura can be tricky.
Doctors often ask questions such as:
- Do you have any other symptoms?
- Does anyone else in the home have the same symptoms?
- How long have you had the rash for?
- Have you had this rash before?
- Do you take any medications?
- Are there any other medical problems?
A number of routine tests, beginning with a complete blood count blood test, help investigate the cause of purpura. A CBC will reveal whether the patient has low platelets and whether any underlying infections are occurring.
Some forms of skin cancer look similar to the purple spots of purpura. A biopsy can rule out skin cancer.
Doctors may also perform other tests based on the patients symptoms and the suspected diagnosis.
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When To Contact A Doctor
Minor bleeding into the skin or bruising that happens from time to time is rarely cause for concern.
However, anyone who experiences bleeding into the skin with no apparent cause or bruising that lasts for longer than 2 weeks should speak with a doctor.
In addition, individuals taking blood thinners and who experience frequent or severe bleeding or bruising should also seek medical attention.
It is also best to contact a doctor if any of the following symptoms accompany the bruising:
What Causes A Black Eye
The most common cause of a black eye is a knock to the area, causing trauma, following an accident, assault, contact during sport or even if you just walk into something.
Other causes of a black eye include:
- dental work or surgery
- sinus infection or an infection around the eyes
- a skull fracture
- an allergic reaction or some other health condition
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What Are The Types Of Bleeding Into The Skin
Bruises are the most common type of bleeding into the skin. They usually appear as red, blue, black or purple spots and may develop after an injury. Bruises can appear a few different ways:
- Petechiae occur when only a few small blood vessels burst. They look like tiny red dots smaller than 2 millimeters , or about the width of a crayon tip.
- Purpura happens when several small blood vessels burst. It looks like a reddish-purple patch. Purpura spots are about 4 mm to 1 inch about the width of a pencil eraser to the size of a quarter.
- Ecchymosis is when multiple blood vessels very close together burst, resulting in pooled blood just under your skins surface. Ecchymosis looks like a bruise, but its not always related to an injury.
- Hematomas occur when larger blood vessels burst, resulting in pooled blood. Most hematomas are minor. But if they develop in larger organs or body cavities, they can be severe and even life-threatening.
Diagnosis Of Bleeding Under The Skin In Dogs
Diagnosis depends upon thorough reporting of the extent and onset of your dogs symptoms and any injury or other possible causes. Description of the physical trauma your dog may have suffered will help the veterinarian to determine if the bleeding under your dogs skin is appropriate or if it may be exacerbated by an underlying disorder. Reporting of medical history and possible ingestion of toxic substances will also be integral to diagnosis. The veterinarian will immediately start the visit by performing a thorough physical examination to search for additional instances of bruising, petechiae, ecchymoses and/or lesions.
The veterinarian will sample your dogs blood and perform a complete blood count, measuring red and white blood cell and platelet counts, which may indicate that your dog has lymphoma or thrombocytopenia . Additionally, a clotting test will be performed, which could reveal thrombopathia, von Willebrands disease, or acquired protein clotting disorder. This test will also determine if your dog needs to be treated for anemia due to blood loss. A bone marrow sample may be taken if estrogen toxicity is suspected. Bone marrow testing can also indicate if the cause of bleeding under the skin is chemotherapy however, this is only possible if your dog is undergoing chemotherapy treatment.
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