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Unexplained Bruising In The Elderly And How To Prevent It
Lisa Reisman • Aug 29, 2019
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Unexplained Bruising In The Elderly And How To Prevent It
Think for a moment about the elderly people in your life. When you reach out to greet them or embrace them, have you noticed that they often have bruises on their arms, hands and legs? It is a common occurrence for both men and women, and it increases in frequency with age. One might be led to believe that this is because they are more unsteady on their feet, and that they frequently fall or bump into things. While these explanations can certainly be part of the problem, there are several other reasons why so many seniors experience what seems to be unexplained bruising.
What is a bruise?
A bruise, also called a contusion, is a collection of blood that has come to the surface of the skin after a blow. It is the result of ruptured blood vessels that expel blood into the surrounding area where it pools. The discoloration that you see is called ecchymosis.
A bruise generally starts out red, then turns dark purple and eventually fades to green or yellow as time passes. The change in color is due to the fact that the body re-absorbs the blood. Some bruises increase in size, become hard and swell up. This type of bruise is called a hematoma, and it is caused by clotting blood in the affected area.
What are some common causes of bruising in older adults?
Thinning Skin
When you are young, you can bump into a table edge, and unless the blow is very hard, you will hardly notice a mark. This is because your skin is actually thicker, more resilient and able to heal itself. However, as you age, that protective layer of fat you once had starts to diminish and your body slows its production of collagen.
In plain English, the elderly have thinning skin, making them more susceptible to bruising. The slightest bump or rub against something can cause a bruise to form faster, become larger and last longer than it once did.
Medications And Supplements
According to the Mayo Clinic, some medications that seniors are typically prescribed can lead to an increase in bruising. Drugs such as aspirin and blood thinners reduce the blood's clotting ability. This means that the capillary bleeding which occurs under the skin after an injury takes longer to stop. Blood is allowed to pool, resulting in bruises.
Dietary supplements like fish oil and ginkgo can have a similar effect, thinning the blood, making it easier to bruising. Some topical drugs used to treat allergies, asthma and eczema can also cause the skin to become thinner, thus more susceptible to bruising.
Elder Abuse
While some bruises can be caused by simply bumping into furniture or other obstacles, there are also times when those bruises are inflicted on the elderly. In fact, it is estimated that up to 10 percent of the elderly have been abused in the past year.
If your loved one has new, unexplained bruises, especially on the face, there is a possibility that some form of abuse is occurring. It may be difficult to ascertain the facts, however, especially if the person has memory problems, or is afraid to speak out since 90 percent of all abuses are believed to be carried out by family members.
Preventative Measures
Bruising that is caused by inadvertently bumping into furniture and other household items can be mitigated by clearing out the clutter. Be sure to allow plenty of space for your loved one to pass through rooms and make sure that you remove any items that are potential trip hazards. Although it is not a wise idea to discontinue prescribed medications, consulting a physician regarding bruising is highly recommended. They may adjust the dosage of blood thinning medications or offer other solutions.
Finally, be very conscious of the individuals who are caring for or residing with your elderly relative. If you suspect abuse, immediately contact authorities and do not wait for the situation to escalate. Your parents spent their lives taking care of you, keeping you safe and secure and now it is your turn to return the favor. It's not an easy task, especially when you have a career, family of your own and a myriad of other responsibilities.
At Complete Care At Home, we understand how important it is to you and your loved one to receive patient, gentle, loving, professional care at home. Contact us to learn more about our services and for a free at-home consultation. We welcome the opportunity to assist you and your loved one.
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