Seniors experience physical changes as they age. Aging skin becomes more sensitive and bruises easily, which leads to increased pain. Bruises, also called contusions, occur when trauma damages or ruptures tiny blood vessels beneath the skin. In most cases, elderly skin bruising is the result of an injury, a fall, or a collision. Some types of elderly skin bruising are harmless, but others can indicate a more serious problem. Here, we’ll discuss the different types of bruising that may occur in seniors, so you’ll know whether your loved one is experiencing normal skin changes or needs medical assistance.
Our free tool provides options, advice, and next steps based on your unique situation.
Bruising in elderly individuals is primarily caused by the skin’s reduced resilience and thickness due to natural aging. As we age, skin cells don’t reproduce as quickly as before, resulting in thinner layers of skin. The aging process, along with the effects of sun exposure and genetic factors, leaves the skin more vulnerable to bruising.
Elderly skin also struggles to maintain adequate moisture levels, causing a loss of elasticity. The skin’s ability to mend itself gradually decreases, making wounds heal slower. Additionally, the cushioning effect provided by the fat layer diminishes as we age, leaving blood vessels more susceptible to damage.
Familiarity with the most common types of skin bruising in seniors can offer comfort and prepare you to handle these situations successfully. Here are several key categories of bruising and their causes.
A common type of skin bruising in seniors, senile purpura is caused by a reduction in connective tissue, loss of fat to support the skin structure, and thinning of the skin. Extended sun exposure can make the blood vessels under the skin prone to rupture from minor impacts such as a handshake or a slight bump. This leads to bleeding under the skin, primarily on the arms and hands, leaving visible marks that take about three weeks to fade.
While it doesn’t typically require treatment, senile purpura can cause psychological distress. If this is the case, it could be helpful to reassure your loved one that this is a normal part of aging, or to suggest a discussion with their doctor.
Seniors who rely on help for activities of daily living (ADLs) often experience more bruising, especially on the arms and legs. Even careful handling during bathing, dressing, or shifting positions can lead to bruising on fragile elderly skin.
Intravenous (IV) procedures or injections can cause minor blood vessel damage and bruising. Brief ice compression applied post-procedure can help minimize the risk.
Prolonged inactivity can cause skin deterioration and bruising, similar to bedsores, along with skin tears, also called shearing. Regular, gentle repositioning of bedridden seniors or seniors who use wheelchairs can help prevent these issues.
Our free tool provides options, advice, and next steps based on your unique situation.
There are numerous factors that can increase the susceptibility of seniors to bruising. Knowing these causes can provide caregivers with vital information to manage and prevent excessive bruising in their loved ones.
Here’s a list of the common causes that can contribute to bruising in the elderly:
While completely preventing bruising in elderly individuals can be challenging, adopting certain precautions suggested by experts can significantly reduce the risk.
Dr. Aarthi Anand, a geriatrician and family medicine practitioner based in Los Angeles, California, shares a set of recommendations that could decrease common bruising causes in older adults:
Ensure clear, unobstructed pathways in your loved one’s home. By removing furniture or other obstacles, you can minimize the risk of everyday bumps and knocks that could lead to bruises.
Implement measures to reduce the chances of falls. This could involve the use of mobility aids like canes and walkers or introducing home modifications such as installing grab bars in bathrooms and other high-risk areas. Ensuring proper lighting and minimizing the use of loose rugs can also enhance safety at home.
Schedule a conversation with a health care provider to discuss whether a vitamin deficiency could be contributing to increased bruising. Certain vitamins, like vitamin C and vitamin K, play a significant role in maintaining capillary and skin health. Your loved one’s doctor might recommend dietary changes to promote senior nutrition, with the addition of specific supplements to strengthen skin resilience. Certain creams and moisturizers can also help to fortify the skin.
Encourage your loved one to adopt sun-protective measures. Extended exposure to the sun can weaken the skin over time and make it more susceptible to bruising. Seniors should wear sun-protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and use sunscreen with high SPF when venturing outdoors. Seek shady areas during peak sunlight hours.
Regular medical check-ups can help monitor any underlying health conditions that might contribute to easy bruising. Routine blood tests can help detect anemia or clotting disorders, and appropriate management can reduce associated bruising.
Regular reviews with their health care provider are necessary if your loved one is on medication. Some drugs, like anticoagulants or corticosteroids, can increase the risk of bruising. Their doctor might adjust dosages or suggest alternatives as needed.
Our advisors help 300,000 families each year find the right senior care for their loved ones.
In certain situations, bruising in the elderly might be an indicator of abuse. The National Center on Elder Abuse defines elder abuse as “a deliberate or negligent act committed by a caregiver or another individual that poses a substantial threat of harm to a vulnerable older adult.”Although increased bruising is generally not indicative of abuse — given the tendency for aging skin to bruise — stay vigilant and maintain open communication with your aging relative.
Recognizing the difference between accidental and intentional bruising in seniors can help identify possible elder abuse. Consider these key distinctions between accidental and intentional bruising.
Always lend an ear to your loved one. Discuss any visible bruises in a calm, private setting. Keep in mind that the source of bruising could be unexpected. Elderly individuals, particularly those with dementia, may undergo significant behavioral changes, leading to self-inflicted bruising or bruising from a non-violent partner displaying newly developed aggressive tendencies.
Geriatric health care providers who frequently encounter elderly bruising cases may be better equipped to notice signs of elder abuse. If you’re uncertain, consider scheduling a consultation with your loved one’s physician.
Ultimately, a transition to assisted living or engaging in-home care can be an effective way to minimize elderly skin bruising. These options bring consistent health monitoring, dedicated professional care tailored to a senior’s needs, and safety measures to minimize falls and injuries. Additionally, care providers can closely supervise medication management and nutritional needs to curb factors contributing to bruising.
If you’re considering these alternatives for your loved one, we encourage you to connect with a Senior Living Advisor. Their role is to guide you through this process, matching your loved one’s unique requirements and lifestyle with the ideal care options.
The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical, legal or financial advice or create a professional relationship between A Place for Mom and the reader. Always seek the advice of your health care provider, attorney or financial advisor with respect to any particular matter, and do not act or refrain from acting on the basis of anything you have read on this site. Links to third-party websites are only for the convenience of the reader; A Place for Mom does not endorse the contents of the third-party sites.
Make the best senior care decision