BLEEDING UNDER THE SKIN

[stacys_aunt]

I  looked at my forearm this evening and there is a big red blotch - bleeding under the skin! My dad has these every now and then, and I've noticed small ones on my arm from time to time, but not this big. I have been taking ibuprofen and aspirin for the last 2-3 days, but not that much. I also take fish oil every day. Could that be what's causing it? Should I be concerned? Oh, and the reason I've taken aspirin and ibuprofen more often than usual during the last few days is because I have had headaches on and off for the last 4 days straight.

[stacys_aunt]

Thanks...I did finally remember to mention this to my doctor, who told me not to take aspirin or ibuprofen. He said for me to take Tylenol or Arthritis-strength Tylenol, and it was ok to take the fish oil. (Right now, I still have a small spot on my forearm - it's ALWAYS in the same place! Maybe a weak blood vessel there?)

[achillea]

There is a nice herbal product that I find really does help these bruises and splotches fade faster if you are prone to getting them.  It is a warm-feeling liquid called BruiseAway that comes in a tiny bottle, maybe a little pricey but it lasts forever:

http://earthways.com/bruise.htm

NAYY.

[stacys_aunt]

I always take the recommended amount, 2 tablets every 4-6 hours as needed. But I have, for several years, always tried to vary the pain meds I take, alternating between aspirin, ibuprofen and acetomenophen(Sp?) The strange thing is, I haven't taken aspirin, ibuprofen for about a month now, and I ran out of fish oil caps about -1/2 weeks ago, and I noticed another bleeding spot, in exactly the SAME PLACE on my arm! I forgot to mention it to my doctor when I saw him today.

[Jerry_NJ]

Besides seeing your doctor, sound like you should, stop the Fish Oil and any aspirin/Ibuprofen for a few days and see it the bruising clears up.   Take the non-aspirin pain relief if the headaches return.  If the headaches are ongoing that should be discussed with your doctor too.

I seem to be one who doesn't bruise easily.  I take 5 mg warfarin, 81 mg aspirin and 1 capsule of fish oil (three capsules are recommended by the supplier) and I have not sign of bruising.  I can't take any high dose aspirin because of the warfarin, luckily I don't suffer from much pain, anywhere.

You didn't mention what dose level of aspirin you were taking.  The maximum?

[stacys_aunt]

I started taking fish oil because of the omega 3's for heart, also the flaxseed oil caps. I was taking aspirin/ibuprofen/acetominaphen for headaches and body aches, alternating between the three.

[achillea]

Fish oil, like aspirin, inhibits clotting, and both these drugs, as well as others, can cause increased bruising:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/288091-fish-oil-bruising/

Some people are more prone to this, and it is much more a problem with women.

In your case, fish oil every day is vey likely a major culprit, but flax seed products are rather well known for this side effect, as well:

http://www.ehow.com/facts_5314753_flax-seed-bad-side-effects.html

Add even an occasional aspirin, and you will be living in Bruise City.

Why are you taking all these things?

aspirin

[stacys_aunt]

I don't take aspirin and ibuprofen at the same time - I alternate between aspirin, ibuprofen and acetamenophen (Sp?), so I won't be taking too much of either. But I do take fish oil and flaxseed oil caps every day. I had not taken aspirin nor ibuprofen since posting this, but a few days ago I took a single dose of aspirin, for the first time since then. But I noticed yesterday I had the SAME bleeding, in the SAME PLACE! I wonder what's
going on?
Also, to ireneo: I also take Vitamin C every day...
Anyeway, thanks to you all for your replies. :)

[beema36]

You should never take aspirin and ibuprofen together.  I was told by my Dr this can cause severe bleeding but check with your Dr or pharmacy.

[ireneo]

I think it's possible the aspirin and fish oil may have contributed to this. They do have a blood thinning effect. I tried taking aspirin every day as the doctors recommend but then I found myself bruising with every bit of bump or pressure. Leaning on the kitchen counter would leave a bruise on my arm, a friend gave me a little poke on the shoulder and I had a terrible deep purple bruise. The worst was when I was carrying a mega pack of toilet paper through the store and the next day had a bruise line across my ribs where I had rested the package. I don't take aspirin every day now. Check with your doctor, see if they want to do a blood test to rule out other problems that cause excessive bruising. I've read vitamin C can help with this a bit.

[MichelleP_3811]

You posted this question in the heart rhythm section, this is also a members section so I am not sure how much help you will get here.  You may want to try and post your question to one of the expert forums though I am not sure which one.  If you are concerned please go see your GP and get yourself diagnosed.  Have you asked your father if he has been diagnosed?  Good luck, I hope you get this figured out.