![]() ![]() It’s difficult to prevent elderly skin bruising entirely. However, Dr. Gently repositioning immobile or wheelchair-bound seniors throughout the day helps to prevent this skin deterioration. Like bedsores, bruising often occurs when a bedridden senior’s body begins to break down skin tissue after prolonged pressure and inactivity. Immobilization is another cause of elderly skin bruising. In this case, you can briefly ice and compress an injection or IV site to reduce bruising. Older adults who need intravenous (IV) procedures and shots may have bruises from minor blood vessel damage when the needle is inserted. This is because caregivers must touch and lift seniors who need help bathing, dressing, or moving between seated positions, which can bruise elderly skin even when done carefully. Sometimes, elderly skin bruising on arms and legs is caused by medical procedures and everyday assistance. Older adults who require help with activities of daily living (ADLs) tend to have more bruises than those who don’t, according to a study on bruising by researchers at the University of California, Irvine. If your aging loved one is upset about senile purpura, reassure them it’s normal or suggest discussing it at their next doctor’s visit. However, it can cause psychological distress, according to a study in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. Treatment for senile purpura is usually not necessary. The bruises are caused by bleeding under the skin on the arms and hands - though they can occasionally appear elsewhere - and generally take up to three weeks to fade. After years of sun exposure, blood vessels can burst with only minor impact, such as a handshake or light bump, leaving noticeable marks on fragile, elderly skin. Senile purpura, also called actinic purpura, is a type of elderly skin bruising that doesn’t result from serious trauma even though it may look like an injury occurred. Senile purpura: Common and harmless bruising Now that we’ve looked into why aging skin is so susceptible to bruising, let’s dig deeper into the more common types of bruising that may occur. Also, over time, people lose subcutaneous fat, which cushions and protects blood vessels. Its ability to repair itself diminishes, and wounds are slower to heal. In the elderly, skin retains less moisture and loses its elasticity. Aging, sun exposure, and genetics play a role in skin thinning. Why aging skin bruises easilyįragile skin is a common problem in older adults because skin cells divide slowly, and skin begins to thin. Here, we’ll discuss the different types of bruising that may occur in seniors, so you’ll know whether your loved one is experiencing normal skin changes or needs medical assistance. Some types of elderly skin bruising are harmless, but others can indicate a more serious problem. In most cases, elderly skin bruising is the result of an injury, a fall, or a collision. Bruises, also called contusions, occur when trauma damages or ruptures tiny blood vessels beneath the skin. Aging skin bruises easily, which can be sensitive and painful. Seniors experience physical changes as they age.
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