What Causes Idiopathic Bruising?

Nurses General Nursing

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Not asking for Medical Advice, just wondering if any of you have had any cases of idiopathic bruising? I had a routine doc visit the other day, and to my surprise, they started screening me for domestic violence. I told him, no, I'm not being hit, I live alone, etc...which is all true. I had noticed a few bruises on my legs but didn't think anything of it. Turns out I had 36 bruises on my lower extremities, of varying degrees of healing. I have had no trauma to my legs that I can think of...the bruises really do not even hurt. I would be interested in hearing any experiences you all have had with this kind of thing.

Thanks!

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Specializes in Utilization Management.

I bruise and scar very easily nowadays. But there is a reason--I'm clumsy.

Just wondering: Did they check your Coags?

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Hi Angie, LOL...I'm clumsy from time to time too. No, they did not check my coags. One thing I was thinking about is my diet. I'm a very strict vegetarian; no milk or dairy, no chicken, fish or any product from any animals. I'm mostly wholes grains, some veggies, soy for protein. Wonder if that could have anything to do with it?

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Do you take vit. B supplements?

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Specializes in Acute Care Psych, DNP Student.

I was surprised when my nurse practitioner started asking me questions and I realized she was screening me for domestic violence. I know what causes my bruising. It's a moderate dose of Flovent and also Flonase. The steroid in these drugs is highly fat soluble and definately has systemic and cumulative effects in some. I told her how I don't bruise so much when I can lower my dose of Flovent and don't need the Flonase. I could see her breathe a sigh of relief. She said that she has another patient who calls her bruising 'technicolor' when she is on Advair and nasal steroids. Corticosteroids can do this, even if you are only on the ICS (inhaled corticosteroids) and nasal steroids. My coags are fine.

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Specializes in critical care and LTC.

I have the same thing not quit 36 bruises though. I was in the shower and looked at my legs it looked like I was beat! I had to stop and think where they came from and I cant think of anything. The med cart and wheel chairs must do it and me not realize.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

Lol, I thought this was a trick question, idiopathic...unknown cause! I'd definitely suspect your diet. Did they do any blood work?

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Specializes in Women's health & post-partum.

My first thought was ITP, then ASA ingestion (those two because of my own family history). It does sound like diet is also something to consider.

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Specializes in ORTHOPAEDICS-CERTIFIED SINCE 89.

Best "advice" is to contact your doc or NP and ask. Can't offer any here.

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