Differential Diagnosis for Sudden Bruising to Finger
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Trauma: This is the most likely cause of sudden bruising to a finger, as minor injuries such as bumps or hits can easily cause bruising due to blood vessel damage under the skin.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Blood clotting disorders (e.g., hemophilia, von Willebrand disease): These conditions can lead to easy bruising due to difficulties in blood clotting.
- Medication side effects (e.g., anticoagulants, aspirin): Certain medications can increase the risk of bruising by affecting blood clotting or platelet function.
- Vitamin deficiencies (e.g., vitamin C, vitamin K): Deficiencies in vitamins crucial for blood vessel health and clotting can lead to increased bruising.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Sepsis or disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC): Although rare, these conditions can cause widespread bruising and are life-threatening if not promptly treated.
- Malignancy (e.g., leukemia): Certain types of cancer can lead to bruising due to bone marrow suppression or clotting abnormalities.
- Vasculitis: Inflammation of blood vessels can cause bruising and is a serious condition requiring immediate medical attention.
- Rare diagnoses
- Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: A genetic disorder affecting connective tissue, which can lead to easy bruising among other symptoms.
- Scurvy: A disease caused by severe vitamin C deficiency, leading to connective tissue weakness and bruising.
- Purpura fulminans: A rare, life-threatening condition characterized by widespread bruising and clotting in small blood vessels, often associated with severe infections.