Health Care Encyclopedia
| |
Bleeding into the skinDefinition: Aside from the common bruise, bleeding into the skin or mucous membranes is a very significant sign and should always be evaluated. Bleeding that consists of pinpoint dots of blood is called petechiae. Larger flat areas where blood has collected under the tissue, up to a centimeter in diameter, are called purpura. A very large area is called an ecchymosis.
Alternative Names: Ecchymoses; Skin spots - red; Pinpoint red spots on the skin; Petechiae
Considerations: Redness of the skin (erythema) should not be mistaken for bleeding. Petechiae, purpura, and ecchymosis do not blanch (become pale) with pressure, while the redness of erythema decreases and then returns when pressure is applied and released.
Home Care: For aging skin, protection of skin is recommended. Avoid trauma such as bumping or pulling on skin areas. For a cut or scrape, use direct pressure to stop the bleeding. For a drug reaction, identify and consult the health care provider about discontinuing the drug. Otherwise, follow prescribed therapy to treat the underlying cause.
Call your health care provider if: - There is sudden bleeding into the skin for no apparent reason
- If there is persistent, unexplained bruising
What to expect at your health care provider's office: Your doctor will perform a physical examination and ask questions about the bleeding, such as: - Has there been a recent 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" (anticoagulants)?
- Has it occurred repeatedly?
- Has a tendency to bleed into the skin been present lifelong?
- Did it start in infancy (for example, with circumcision)?
- Did it start with surgery or a tooth extraction?
The following diagnostic tests may be performed:
|
| Review Date: 6/3/2005
Reviewed By: Thomas A. Owens, M.D., Departments of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
|
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
|  |
|
|
|
|
