Understanding Bruises: Duration and Recurrence
At 15 years old, standing 5'7" tall and weighing 91 pounds, I have been prescribed atomoxetine. Recently, I attended a medical appointment to discuss changing my medication regimen, as I wanted to move away from stimulant ADHD medications to a different type. During this visit, my physician observed numerous bruises on my body, which caught her attention. She inquired about their origin, but I was at a loss to explain. I wondered if my involvement in competitive ballet might have contributed, although I've never experienced such an abundance of bruises before. I recall having scarlet fever earlier this winter, which could account for some of my current symptoms. As part of the evaluation, my doctor conducted blood tests, which revealed everything was normal apart from a slightly elevated white blood cell count, ruling out anemia at that time. However, I've been noticing an increasing number of small bruises appearing on my skin, and the existing ones seem sluggish to heal. I've made a conscious effort to avoid any potential injuries and have tried to be more mindful of my movements, yet I haven't been able to pinpoint any specific incidents that might be causing these bruises. Is this a typical situation? My doctor seemed concerned enough to inquire about the bruises, but I’m unsure if she's trying to rule out possible abuse or if I should communicate with her about the lack of improvement. Is there anything I can do to accelerate the healing of these bruises before my next appointment? To be honest, the past few months have seen me in and out of medical offices quite frequently.
Answers (1)
3/23/2025, 8:10:49 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel concerned about the unexplained and increasing bruising on your body, especially at your age and with a medical history that includes scarlet fever. Bruising can have various causes, and while it's common for active individuals, such as dancers, to experience some bruising, numerous bruises that don't heal well can signal the need for further attention.
Explanation:
Bruising occurs when small blood vessels under the skin break and leak blood, leading to discoloration. For someone involved in competitive ballet, routine physical activities can certainly lead to minor injuries and bruises, but an unusual amount, especially when you cannot recall an incident that caused them, may need further investigation.
The fact that your white blood cell count is slightly elevated and your initial tests came back normal is a good sign, but it’s still important to communicate any changes you are experiencing. Certain conditions or medications can affect how your body heals or how easily you bruise.
Next Steps:
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Monitor and Document: Keep an eye on new bruises and how quickly existing ones heal. Note any potential triggers, even if they seem trivial.
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Treat Bruises at Home: For existing bruises, consider the following:
- Rest: Avoid activities that may aggravate any bruises.
- Cold Compress: Apply ice wrapped in a cloth to the bruises for 15-20 minutes at a time in the first 48 hours to reduce swelling.
- Elevation: Keeping bruised areas elevated can help decrease swelling and speed up healing.
- Vitamin C and K: Including foods rich in these vitamins in your diet (like citrus fruits for Vitamin C and leafy greens for Vitamin K) may support blood vessel health.
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Revisit Your Doctor: Given the increasing number of bruises, it's essential to communicate your observations with your doctor, especially if the bruises continue to appear or don’t heal. Don’t hesitate to express your concerns; clarity about your symptoms is important for proper care.
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Seek Support: If you're feeling overwhelmed by frequent medical visits, consider discussing this with a trusted adult or counselor to help you process your feelings during this time.
Please take care and let me know if you need additional information or resources.
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