OpenHealth Q&A

Possible Causes of Unusual Skin Bleeding Beyond Typical Bruising

I experienced a minor incident recently where I bumped my arm, resulting in an unusual accumulation of blood underneath the skin, which has manifested as a large, soft swelling rather than just a typical bruise. Normally, I would show some light discoloration or small blood spots, but this situation seems different, featuring a noticeably swollen area. To provide some context, I am a 64-year-old woman, 5'2" tall, weighing approximately 190 pounds, with a history of hypothyroidism and pre-surgical hyperparathyroidism, which has improved post-operation. Additionally, I manage bipolar disorder, hypertension, and severe tinnitus, along with regular headaches and psoriasis with accompanying arthritis for which I began treatment with Skyrizi in April 2025. My current medication regimen includes Lamictal, Seroquel, Propranolol, Lisinopril, Furosemide, and Metformin, all taken for over two years, except for the recent introduction of Skyrizi. I plan to start Mounjaro in August 2025 as directed by my physician. I have never smoked or consumed alcohol or illicit drugs, and I reside in the southern United States. I've noticed blood spots developing on my skin for the past couple of years, correlating with my skin becoming thinner, but this particular instance of significant swelling filled with blood is entirely new to me. Despite my family history of a hereditary blood clotting disorder, I have been tested and do not possess this gene. I do not use aspirin either. In November 2024, I underwent the removal of a sizeable, benign parathyroid tumor, and following the surgery, the area around my right forearm where the IV was placed experienced considerable pain and discoloration—more so than the incision itself. It took over two weeks for the pain to subside and for the color to fade. Conversely, my neck area healed well without complications, but my arm continued to ache. Since that time, I have encountered several bumps leading to bruising, including an episode two weeks ago when a nurse drew blood and simply applied a bandage. By the time I arrived home, the site had developed a substantial swelling, forming a firm knot measuring roughly 1x1 inch, and I now have a discoloration extending about 3 inches on that area which is gradually healing. Just yesterday, while moving hastily, my right forearm scraped against a door frame, resulting in an immediate painful, splotchy red bump that has since swelled considerably. The swelling today measures about 5 inches long and approximately 3 inches at its widest point, and while I have always been prone to easy bruising, the intensity of this bleeding seems excessive. I wonder if this could possibly be linked to my hyperparathyroidism considering my age and existing medications. I am also seeking advice on how to share images of the affected areas for better assessment.

Answers (1)

8/9/2025, 7:31:01 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you're experiencing unusual swelling and bleeding under the skin that differs from your usual bruising patterns, especially given your medical history and age. Here’s a clear assessment and some prioritized steps you can take to address your concerns:

Main Points

• The swelling and bleeding you’re experiencing may result from several factors, including skin thinning (often linked to medication or age) and potential underlying conditions.
• It’s crucial to monitor your symptoms and take steps to avoid further injury while ensuring you're addressing any potential issues with your skin’s integrity and healing process.

Explanation

Given your history of easy bruising and skin thinning, the accumulation of blood under the skin (hematoma) may result from minor trauma, especially if your blood vessels are more fragile. This can happen due to age, medications (such as those affecting blood pressure), or conditions that impact skin or blood vessel elasticity.

Additionally, considering your previous surgery and any potential lingering effects from your hyperparathyroidism, your skin healing and overall vascular health could be influenced. If you've experienced an increase in bruising or abnormal swelling, it would be wise to investigate further.

Next Steps

1. Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on the swelling and any changes in your skin. Note any new bruises or swelling that occur without significant trauma or if they're increasing in size.

2. Protect the Area: To minimize further injury, avoid activities that might bump or scrape your arms. Consider wearing protective clothing in situations where bumps are likely (e.g., moving around furniture).

3. Ice Therapy: Apply a cold compress to the swollen area for 15-20 minutes at a time, which may help reduce swelling and discomfort.

4. Elevate the Area: If possible, keep the affected arm elevated to help reduce swelling.

5. Assess Medication Effects: Discuss your current medications with your healthcare provider, especially regarding any that might contribute to easy bruising (like blood pressure medications) and the impact of your ongoing treatments (like Skyrizi).

6. Documentation: For future assessment, consider keeping a symptom diary. If you’re able to take clear images of the affected areas, this can be helpful for medical evaluations. You might need to consult a healthcare platform that allows image sharing securely.

7. When to Seek Immediate Help: If you experience symptoms such as significant pain, increased swelling, fever, or difficulty moving the affected limb, reach out to a healthcare provider promptly.

Consider reaching out to your healthcare provider to discuss these symptoms more thoroughly, especially if they persist or worsen. They can offer a more precise evaluation tailored to your medical history and current situation.