Subcutaneous bleeding

[bouden]

I often get subcutaneous bleeds on the side of my face, somewhere between just in front of the ear to about mid-cheek. They do not happen during the day, nor as a result of impact. I wake in the morning and notice them while shaving. They take the shape of a small blotch to a vertical bar. They darken and disappear over a few days. I have my blood pressure checked regularly and this is within normal bounds.

[bouden]

Thanks for this response. I eat a good diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, and salads with Vitamin C-rich items like oranges and capsicum. I have mentioned it to my doctor (including a photo) but she didn't seem concerned. I will push the issue next time I see her. My parents both had strokes (well into their 80s). I am 67 now so this vascular breakdown may be a signal.

[bouden]

Thank you for your response. I am pretty sure this is not the cause. I am not on any medications, nor do I have coagulation issues. I do a lot of physical stuff like DIY and gardening with attendant cuts and bruises, which always heal quickly. Any bleeding coagulates quickly.

[caregiver222]

You are experiencing a loss of microvascular integrity.  In lay terms the small blood vessels are becoming fragile. The most common etiology in the senior citizen is simple vitamin C deficiency. Start on 2000 mg a day of crystaline C in two divided doses. A co-factor is often elevated blood pressure.  It would help to take a multi-vitamin containing a small amount of vitamin K, as well as a daily dose of a gram or two or the amino acid arginine, in two divided doses, and some extended release niacin. Both the niacin and the arginine will help the blood vessels relax and distend, rather than rupturing. Generally the basic dietary adult vitamin supplements have 25% of the daily minimum of K. Do NOT take vitamin K supplements. If the problem persists after four to six weeks, see if you can schedule an appointment with a physician.

[Brockovitch]

Have you had your platelet count checked or your coagulation factors? They could be low, resulting in difficulties with clotting.

Are you on low dose aspirin or any other blood thinners like heparin, that may be affecting your ability to clot?