Help

[steffm321]

I have intense itchy skin on my arms and legs but no rashes. I also have unexplained bruising that just started to appear that isn't painful. The size of the bruises range from a dime to 3' in diameter. I've been itching for over a month now which I thought was just stress induced and now maybe my skin is irritated, but now the bruising is making me question it.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Easy and unexplained bruising should always be investigated. Since you are having itching and unexplained bruising, liver causes should always be investigated. Anemia and deficiency of vitamins C, K, B12, or folic acid are the common causes of easy bruisability. Try taking iron tablets and multivitamins for some days and see if the symptoms improve.

If the symptoms do not improve, get yourself evaluated by a physician and look out for SLE, bone marrow disorders, liver diseases or leukemias. Anti-clotting (anti-coagulants) medication also can cause increased bruising.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[mooksmom]

You need to go and see your Family MD. Itching and bruising can both be caused by your liver.