unusual bruising on arms with no trauma it just appears

I get blood bruising on my arms usually after too much alcohol.  There is not pain no injury they just appear and remain for weeks and gradually disappear.  I have been diagnosed with hypertension and high blood pressure.  I am a former athlete that at times experiences pain in the shoulders and stiff neck.  If i drink too much alcohol, i suffer chest pain but it goes away if I lay off for a period of time. I am 67 male who exercises and continues to teach school.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
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 persist then petechiae also need to be ruled out. Petechiae are pinpoint-sized red dots under the surface of the skin. They are common after skin trauma, allergies and viral infections. In your case, you may be allergic to any of the constituents of alcohol.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.