Why Do I Have Spontaneous Bruising On Lower Arms Only?

Posted on Mon, 18 Jun 2018

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

Mon, 18 Jun 2018 Answered on

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 Last reviewed on

Question : I have spontaneous bruising on lower arms only. I have been receiving anti inflammatories for a partial tear in rotator cuff. Voltarin and cortisone injections. MD has told me my platelets are sensitive. I am getting to the point I don’t know what to do to at least help. I am wearing long sleeves to cover my lower arms. Is there anything that will help this. My blood count is normal.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Regarding bruising

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Perhaps the bruising is that of actinic purpura which is due to increased vessel fragility from connective tissue damage caused by chronic sun exposure causing bleeding from minor trauma (sometimes unnoticed like scratching, rubbing etc). Cortisone/steroid injections would cause further vessel wall fragility. I suggest you to take an oral Vitamin C supplement once daily for a few weeks. It would help resolve the bruising faster.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy