What Do Circular Bruises On Upper Arm Indicate?

Posted on Thu, 3 Jul 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 3 Jul 2014 Answered on

Mon, 21 Jul 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I now have two bruises that have shown up on my left arm, both upper arm, one on the front, one on the back. They look different than normal bruises in that they are almost perfectly circular and they are not going away. I am a healthy 55 year old, I run five days a week, four miles a day. The bruises don't hurt like a normal bruise. One of them has had the same appearance for at least one full week.

Answered by Dr. Johny Chacko (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please upload a picture

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Welcome to healthcare magic.

I understand from your query that you have 2 asymptomatic bruises on your left arm.

Could you tell me for how long you have had these bruises?

Did you have any fever 2-3 weeks back?

You have a feature to upload the images by yourself at the right side of the query page, please utilize that so that I can answer your query better. You can also send the image as attachment to YYYY@YYYY , with the subject as 'Attn: Dr. Johny Chacko'.

Please revert back.

Regards,
Dr. Johny Chacko

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Johny Chacko (26 minutes later)

Pictures were uploaded. I have not had any fever. My temperature typically runs on the low side. One of the bruises is probably coming up on two weeks.

Answered by Dr. Johny Chacko (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Bruise

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome back.

I noted your additional history and saw the clinical photographs that you have attached.

I would consider the diagnosis of a simple bruise, medically called as "Ecchymosis". It is possible to have a bruise with no associated pain at times.
Also, I see in the 2 nd picture that the bruise is showing signs of resolution in the form of hazy borders and color changes.

The other possibility we could keep in mind is an entity called " Autoerythrocyte sensitization syndrome". Here, spontaneous bruises occur on extremities. Though it is classically described in women with mild psychological issues, it could also seen in perfectly normal women as I have seen in my clinical practice. However, this is associated with mild pain over the bruises which you do not have.

In view of the spontaneous onset without any trauma / trigger/ blood thinners, I would suggest you to get a blood work done to check for the following -

1. Platelet count
2. Bleeding time
3. Clotting time
4. Prothrombin time

This is to rule out any bleeding disorders and to be on the safer side.

Hope this helps you.

If you have any more queries, I will be glad to assist.

Wishing you good health,
Dr. Johny Chacko

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Johny Chacko (15 minutes later)

Thank you. I am scheduled to give platelets in one week. Do you think this will be a problem? I do not have medical insurance (for the first time in my life) so I will likely watch to see if they subside before I take any further action. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Johny Chacko (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Bruise

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Greetings!

In my opinion, I feel that you could give the platelets next week as per your schedule. I do not think there is any underlying problem taking into consideration that you are doing well otherwise.

If you develop any other symptoms like bleeding gums or red spots over your body, I suggest you to get medical attention immediately. I do not want to make you anxious unnecessarily. However, I want to inform you so that you are well aware.

Hope this helps you.

Wishing you good health,
Dr. Johny Chacko

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj