Alert to bruising
BRUISING on any part of the body always suggests some sort of injury. When you see bruises on your loved ones, regardless of their age, you’d be quite alarmed. You may wonder whether they’ve had a mishap or if someone had hurt them.
As a caregiver, you’d naturally want to address the issue, especially when they’re not totally in your care. Could your loved one also be having falls and bumps that you’re unaware of? Before you jump to the wrong conclusions and make false accusations, it would be a good idea to consider the possible causes of bruising, especially in the elderly.
Generally, some people bruise more easily than others, depending on their age, gender, genes, illness and the medications they’re on. In older people, bruising is also common because the skin gets thinner and loses much of its fatty layers that act as a “cushion” that protects blood vessels.
What is a bruise? Bruising is generally caused when the small blood vessels under the skin burst and fill up small pockets of skin with blood. It rarely ever bleeds out, but it can certainly look scary.
According to the Mayo Clinic, “generally, harder blows cause larger bruises. However, if you bruise easily, a minor bump — one that you might not even notice — can result in a substantial bruise.”
Apparently, women tend to bruise more easily than men, especially from slight injuries on their upper arms, thighs and buttocks. Tendency to bruise also runs in some families.
Most of the time, bruises don’t require any medical treatment since the body would eventually reabsorb the blood and the bruise would fade away within two to three weeks. With the elderly, however, this process may take longer, like months, to go away.
To keep swelling and inflammation to a minimum, some doctors suggest putting ice or cold compress on the bruised area within the first 24 hours. This can also help to reduce the size of the bruise by slowing the amount of blood that leaks into that area.
BRUISING PATTERNS
Bruising has a somewhat predictable pattern. According to my doctor, there’s what’s called the “technicolour” process, where the bruise first appears in a bluishblack or purple shade before turning into yellowish-green and later to a lighter brown before finally disappearing. Generally, bruises would fade over time with or without treatment.
That said, bruises are also indications that something may be amiss. It can reveal health issues that may need further investigations. Certain medications may contribute to bruising in the elderly, especially medications that prevents clotting by thinning the blood.
Some over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, antidepressants and asthma medications may also increase chances of bruising. Some bruises occur due to certain vitamin deficiencies, like lack of vitamins C, D, K and iron.
Bruises can also indicate physical abuse or broken bones. These bruises can appear from rough handling such as deep finger print marks. These are signs to watch for and act upon. Even then, some elderly folk may not be able to tell you much about it due to decreased pain perception and possible memory loss, i.e. they don’t feel the pain and they can’t remember what happened.
If the bruise is accompanied by large swelling, pain, and finger or toe that don’t resemble their usual self, seek medical treatment. You could have fractured it when your little toe hit the corner of a furniture or wall.
PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES
There are some things you can do at home to help prevent yourself and your elderly loved ones from bruising, falling and hurting themselves. Start by arranging the furniture at home in such a way that the paths are clear, making it easier to navigate without too much bumping around. It’s a good time to de-clutter the living space too.
Avoid having furniture with sharp corners. You don’t have to change your furniture to do this. Instead, put covers on the sharp edges, now easily available as baby-proof gadgets.
You may want to consider getting a cane or walker for your elderly loved one, especially to help them to sit down or stand up. Instal handrails wherever possible, especially in bathrooms, near the bed and even in the living room if your loved one isn’t too keen to use the cane or walker.
Brighten up your house with good lighting. Discard old carpets that have upturned corners and slippery throw rugs, especially on the stairs and in the kitchen. It’s a good time to re-look at the way you’ve done your home. You may even want to consider going for a medical check-up and have your vision and hearing tested. Even small changes in sight or hearing can cause you to fall. Ask your doctor to evaluate your medications if you have dizzy spells or feel sleepy at wrong times of the day.
Bruising, like fever, isn’t a disease, but it’s an indication that something may not be right. See your doctor to ensure that all’s well.