Differential Diagnosis for Bruising that Won't Go Away
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Vitamin C Deficiency (Scurvy): This condition is characterized by poor collagen synthesis, leading to fragile blood vessels and easy bruising. It's a common cause of unexplained bruising, especially in individuals with poor dietary habits.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Vitamin K Deficiency: Essential for blood clotting, a deficiency in vitamin K can lead to easy bruising and bleeding. This is more common in individuals with liver disease, those taking certain medications like warfarin, or with malabsorption syndromes.
- Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP): An autoimmune condition where the body produces antibodies against platelets, leading to their destruction and resulting in low platelet counts, which can cause bruising.
- Medication Side Effects: Certain medications, such as anticoagulants (e.g., aspirin, heparin), antiplatelet agents, and some antibiotics, can increase the risk of bruising.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Leukemia: Certain types of leukemia can cause bruising due to bone marrow failure leading to decreased production of platelets and other blood cells. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment.
- Liver Disease: Conditions like cirrhosis can lead to coagulopathy due to decreased production of clotting factors, resulting in bruising and bleeding tendencies.
- Bleeding Disorders (e.g., Hemophilia): Although less common, these disorders can present with bruising and require prompt diagnosis to manage bleeding risks.
Rare Diagnoses
- Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: A group of genetic disorders affecting connective tissue, which can lead to fragile skin and blood vessels, resulting in easy bruising.
- Amyloidosis: A condition characterized by the deposition of amyloid proteins in various tissues, including blood vessels, which can cause bruising and bleeding.
- Vasculitis: Inflammation of the blood vessels can lead to bruising, among other symptoms, and requires early diagnosis to prevent organ damage.