Circular Bruises on My Right Leg: Seeking Insights
I am a 25-year-old woman who is generally in good health. Occasionally, I take an allergy medication in the mornings. I have a history of smoking, which I still do now and then when I drink, but I am not on any other medications or using substances regularly. On Thursday night, I indulged a bit more than intended in alcohol and awoke to discover an unpleasant circular bruise on my right inner thigh, situated roughly 2 inches above my knee. Initially, I thought maybe I had bumped into something while I was intoxicated, so I brushed it off and moved forward. The bruise measures about 1.75 inches across. A day or two later, I noticed another bruise forming on the same thigh, approximately 3 inches above the first. This new mark is significantly lighter in color and smaller, with a diameter of only around 1 inch. Then, this morning, I found yet another circular bruise, located about 2 inches below my right knee. Although it is not as dark as the first one, it is larger, measuring between 2 and 2.5 inches. I also suspect there might be a possible spider bite at its center; I've been absent-mindedly picking at something there for the entire week, but I can’t say for certain what it actually is. What's puzzling me is that I can't recall any specific instance of hitting something. I just assumed I had accidentally caused the initial bruise due to my drunken state, but I was never blacked out and don’t recall any falls or hard knocks. Most of the evening was spent sitting at a picnic table, and while I did take a few puffs from a friend’s vape, I doubt that could be relevant. Does anyone have thoughts or insights on what might be causing these bruises?
Answers (1)
7/21/2025, 2:20:49 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about the appearance of multiple bruises, especially when you don't recall any specific injury. Here are the key points to consider regarding your situation:
-
Possible Causes of Bruising: Bruises can arise from various causes, including minor trauma (like bumping into something), blood vessel fragility, or even conditions related to drinking alcohol. Some people may bruise more easily, especially if they have a history of smoking or are consuming alcohol, which can affect blood clotting.
-
Potential Spider Bite: Given that you've mentioned a possible spider bite at the center of one bruise, this could also play a role in what you're experiencing. Bites can cause localized swelling, redness, and bruising as your body reacts to the irritation.
Next Steps & Recommendations:
-
Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a close eye on the bruises. Note their size, color, and any changes, especially if you see any signs of increased swelling, pain, or redness surrounding the bruises.
-
Avoid Picking: Since you've been picking at what you suspect could be a bite, it's advisable to stop doing so to prevent infection and further irritation.
-
Rest and Ice: Consider resting the area and applying a cool compress to help reduce any swelling and alleviate discomfort.
-
Limit Alcohol Consumption: To help reduce the risk of further bruising and other complications, it would be beneficial to limit alcohol consumption, especially in situations that lead to intoxication.
-
Stay Hydrated: Ensure you're drinking plenty of water, which can help with recovery and overall health.
-
Observe for New Symptoms: If you develop any new symptoms—such as increasing redness, warmth, or pain around the bruises, fever, or if there is significant swelling—it may be necessary to reevaluate the situation more urgently.
-
Consider Lifestyle Factors: Reflect on your overall lifestyle, including smoking and diet, as maintaining a healthy lifestyle can improve skin health and bruising tendencies.
If the bruising continues to appear without explanation or worsens, please seek a healthcare professional for a more thorough evaluation. They may conduct tests to rule out any underlying conditions that could contribute to your symptoms. Remember, your health and well-being are a priority, so don't hesitate to reach out for help if needed.
Related Questions
Seeking Insights on Blood Test Results and Symptoms
Hello everyone, I’ve been dealing with persistent nausea and vomiting for about two weeks, accompanied by a relentless sense of fatigue. I've also experienced dizziness upon standing, occasionally losing my vision and seeing flashes of light. Additionally, I've been suffering from joint pain and noticeable hair thinning. Despite undergoing numerous tests, I still have not received clear explanations for my symptoms, which is why I’m turning to this Reddit community in search of insights. My latest blood test results, which my doctor considers satisfactory, are detailed below. Given the information provided (including my blood tests, medications, and existing diagnoses), is it typical to feel this way? What steps can I take to enhance my quality of life and restore my energy and motivation? My current well-being is impacting my professional and social engagements. I am a 28-year-old female, do not smoke, and drink socially. I maintain an active lifestyle and my weight is approximately 10.5 stone. I am currently awaiting a final assessment for suspected autism. I also have a history of self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and drug use, which occurred over four years ago. Here’s a summary of my current medications and diagnosed conditions: - 15mg methotrexate - 40mg adalimumab -Ondansetron - 50mg sertraline - Folic acid -(Additionally, I’m taking multivitamins to improve my health) Diagnoses include: - Bilateral intermediate uveitis - Thalassaemia trait - Microcytic hypochromic anaemia - Non-necrotising granulomatous inflammation (associated with tattoo pigment and axillary lymphadenopathy) - Hypermobility syndrome - Eight lumps identified in gums (referred for further examination) Here are my blood test results: - Total white blood count: 5.4 (normal range 4.0 - 11.0) - Red blood cell count: 4.95 (normal range 3.8 - 5.3) - Hemoglobin concentration: 102 (below normal range 120.0 - 150.0) - Hematocrit: 0.324 (below normal range 0.37 - 0.45) - Mean cell volume: 65.6 (below normal range 83.0 - 100.0) - Mean cell hemoglobin level: 20.6 (below normal range 27.0 - 32.0) - Mean cell hemoglobin concentration: 314 (normal range 310.0 - 350.0) - Red blood cell distribution width: 17.6 (above normal range < 15.6) - Platelet count: 245 (normal range 150.0 - 450.0) - Neutrophil count: 2.2 (normal range 1.5 - 8.0) - Lymphocyte count: 2.5 (normal range 1.0 - 4.0) - Monocyte count: 0.38 (normal range 0.2 - 1.0) - Eosinophil count: 0.21 (normal range < 0.51) - Basophil count: 0.05 (normal range < 0.2) - Plasma viscosity: 1.48 (below normal range 1.5 - 1.72) Liver function test results are as follows: - Serum bilirubin level: 22 (above normal range < 21.0) - Serum alkaline phosphatase: 42 (normal range 30.0 - 130.0) - Serum total protein: 74 (normal range 60.0 - 80.0) - Serum albumin: 45 (normal range 35.0 - 50.0) - Serum alanine aminotransferase: 11 (normal range 10.0 - 40.0) - Serum globulin: 29 (normal range 24.0 - 41.0) I would greatly appreciate any feedback or advice regarding this situation.
Choosing Between Ankle Braces and Compression Socks
I’m 20 years old and suspect I might have hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS). I frequently wear mid to high support braces for my various joints, especially during flare-ups. Recently, I've noticed a popping sensation near my Achilles tendon or around the outer part of my ankle. My mother insists that to address my unusual walking pattern, I should try ankle compression socks. However, in my experience, these socks have caused discomfort by pressing against my Achilles tendon, forcing me into a pigeon-toed posture and leading to dislocations due to excessive pressure on the top of my foot. I truly believe that a medium to high support ankle brace is the better option for me. The symptoms I'm experiencing are indicators that my ankle could start dislocating more frequently and thus becoming a problematic joint. Additionally, when my ankle pops, it immobilizes my foot and toes until the issue resolves itself with another pop. I've developed a tendency to distribute my weight toward the outer edges of my feet, yet my walking stance remains outwardly pointed. This has persisted for the past two years, but unfortunately, I lack insurance to obtain proper treatment. While my mother swears by the success of compression socks in correcting her gait at a young age, I found that my own gait issues emerged later at 18. It seems like our experiences with these solutions are not directly comparable.
Should I See My PCP or Visit Urgent Care?
I am a 19-year-old male with a body mass index of 22 and no significant health issues, aside from taking allergy medication and a daily dose of 75 mg sertraline. For the past week or two, I've been experiencing discomfort in my lower back, buttocks, and hips. The pain, while not unbearable, can reach a level of around a 5 at its worst. Although I'm not particularly anxious about it, I'm reminded of a prior episode where I dealt with knee and ankle pain for several months, during which my pediatrician couldn't identify any underlying issues. This nagging concern about my current back pain has made me wonder if I might be facing an autoimmune disorder, especially given my family history that includes lupus. I contemplated the idea of getting an x-ray to evaluate my back, but I understand that the decision ultimately rests with a medical professional. Unfortunately, my primary care physician is currently unavailable, and the other doctors at her practice are fully booked, meaning I would have to wait several months for an appointment. My question is: would it be unreasonable to visit an urgent care facility instead? I am concerned about whether it would be an efficient use of resources given the circumstances.
Three Weeks After Surgery: Experiencing Abdominal Discomfort
On July 3rd, I underwent an urgent appendectomy. Thankfully, the procedure revealed no signs of an abscess or rupture, and my recovery has been progressing well without any significant issues. For the first few weeks post-surgery, I managed my discomfort effectively with over-the-counter pain relief, aside from some mild sensitivity at the incision areas. However, over the last few days, I've encountered a resurgence of considerable pain localized on the left side near my largest incision. I would describe the pain as a steady 4 out of 10 when I am at rest, which can escalate to an 8 out of 10 with certain movements, particularly when lying on my left side. Is it common to experience such pain this far along in the recovery process, especially after having enjoyed a mostly pain-free period until recently? I am able to consume food and liquids and have no trouble with bathroom duties, although my appetite has diminished. I am not experiencing any fever. Due to having hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), I am aware that my healing may take longer than average. Currently, I am only taking medications related to mental health. I am a 30-year-old female.
Exploring Autoimmune Encephalitis: A Starting Point
At 24 years old and weighing 130 pounds, I experienced an abrupt emergence of psychiatric and neurological symptoms earlier this year. These challenges included: - Intense depression - Trouble sleeping - Dizziness - Extreme fatigue - Headaches accompanied by nausea - Confusion - Forgetfulness - Frequent feelings of deja vu - Severe anxiety - Vision disturbances, including floaters and blurriness - Movement disorders - Shortness of breath - Pressure in my head and muscle twitching Additionally, I had a fainting episode or possible seizure and sought medical assistance. After undergoing an electrocardiogram and basic blood tests, the healthcare professionals concluded it was likely a fainting spell without pursuing further diagnostic measures. Over the last year, I have experimented with more than five different psychiatric medications, without any positive results, in addition to undergoing a series of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) sessions. Initially, I hoped to attribute my issues to psychological origins, but the sudden emergence and lack of treatment success have left me in doubt. I decided to discontinue all psychiatric medications, as they failed to provide relief and am currently not taking anything. An MRI conducted in January revealed a minor T2 flair, which was dismissed as inconsequential by doctors. They considered a lumbar puncture but ultimately opted not to proceed with it. Moreover, I have a family history of autoimmune diseases, including Hashimoto's and lupus, adding another layer of complexity to my situation. Thank you for your understanding.