Bleeding into the skin

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Black eye

Ecchymoses; Skin spots - red; Pinpoint red spots on the skin; Petechiae

For aging skin, protection of skin is recommended. Avoid trauma such as bumping or pulling on skin areas.

For a cut or scrape, use direct pressure to stop the bleeding.

For a drug reaction, identify and consult the health care provider about discontinuing the drug.

Otherwise, follow prescribed therapy to treat the underlying cause.

• There is sudden bleeding into the skin for no apparent reason
• If there is persistent, unexplained bruising

Your doctor will perform a physical examination and ask questions about the bleeding, such as:

• Has there been a recent injury or accident?
• Have you been ill lately?
• Have you had radiation therapy or chemotherapy?
• What other medical treatments have you had?
• Do you take aspirin more than once a week?
• Do you take Coumadin, heparin, or other "blood thinners" (anticoagulants)?
• Has it occurred repeatedly?
• Has a tendency to bleed into the skin been present lifelong?
• Did it start in infancy (for example, with circumcision)?
• Did it start with surgery or a tooth extraction?

• Coagulation tests including INR and prothrombin time
• CBC with platelet count and blood differential
• Bone marrow biopsy

Review Date: 06/03/2005
Reviewed By: Thomas A. Owens, M.D., Departments of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.