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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Bruising/bleeding under the skin
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Dermatology issues, such as: skin rashes, acne, birthmarks, skin infections, rosacea, and general skin care.
Bruising/bleeding under the skin
by mcarva, Aug 06, 2004 12:00AM
Lately, I have been noticing that I bruise more easily and sometimes I also notice small (purple) marks under the skin. I need to tell you that I suffer greatly from hyphochondriasis and believed these symptoms to be a sign of leukemia. I saw my PCP and blood work was taken. Tests were normal. I continued to see these marks and went back for another exam. My PCP did not seem to feel these marks represented anything dangerous. He repeated the blood test a week later to "ease my mind." This time the results also came back normal. I do analyze all the counts very carefully and noticed that my platelet count had gone down about 70 points from the prior test a week earlier. My platelet count on the second test was 280, all my other counts were normal. I started to test my skin to see how easy it would mark. For instance, if I rub or stratch my skin, it will become red and stay red for a while. I will also see small red/purple markes under it that will last for a while. I went to see my PCP for a third time and showed him these new marks. Again, he feels I do not have a blood disorder.
I also notice that my spider markes on my thighs look very red (almost like they are bleeding) when I press them. Previous scars also look redder when I manipulate them.
When moving items the other day for work, I noticed red spots under the palms of my hands when I used them to pick up items, etc. I am convinced I have a platelet disorder.
Can you tell me if there is anything other than a life threatening disease that would cause this? I am 45 years old, highly stressed, do not exercise or eat right, and also have been breaking out in pimples/pustules in my hair follicles (mostly in my legs) since last January. I am petrified my PCP is only looking at my anxiety disorder and possibly missing something serious.
Thank you for your help.
I also notice that my spider markes on my thighs look very red (almost like they are bleeding) when I press them. Previous scars also look redder when I manipulate them.
When moving items the other day for work, I noticed red spots under the palms of my hands when I used them to pick up items, etc. I am convinced I have a platelet disorder.
Can you tell me if there is anything other than a life threatening disease that would cause this? I am 45 years old, highly stressed, do not exercise or eat right, and also have been breaking out in pimples/pustules in my hair follicles (mostly in my legs) since last January. I am petrified my PCP is only looking at my anxiety disorder and possibly missing something serious.
Thank you for your help.
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Aug 07, 2004 12:00AM
, Aug 07, 2004 12:00AM
Your PCP is missing nothing. Normal blood work means normal platelets--the small test-to-test variation is meaningless.
You are looking at yourself way too hard and worrying way too much. You need help--rest, counseling, medications... Whatever it takes to calm you down, please look into it.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
You are looking at yourself way too hard and worrying way too much. You need help--rest, counseling, medications... Whatever it takes to calm you down, please look into it.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Member Comments (1)
by donymc, Apr 28, 2008 10:56AM
A related discussion, bleeding bruse was started.
by donymc, May 08, 2008 04:44PM
A related discussion, skin fungus was started.
