What are bruises on the legs?
Bruises on the legs are small ruptures that the blood vessels suffer,thus unleashing bleeding that accumulates under the skin and usually appears in the form ofbruises.
Note: They are known as bruises because of thepurple or purple tonesthat they usually have when evidenced on the skin.
Over the years, thedifferent capillariesthat form the skin are becoming increasingly fragile, for this reason itis usual for elderly peopleto suffer from bruises on the legs just after having sufferedsmall blows and rubbing.
However, there are cases ofpeople with sensitive skin, being these more likely to suffer from this hair condition. In turn, bruises on the legs can be triggered assymptoms of other pathologies.
Causes of leg bruising
Usually, bruises on the legs are associated withblows or impactsthat the muscles receive by suddencontact with an object, however, bleeding from the small vessels can also be caused by the following causes:
fragile capillaries
The main sign of the presence of bruises on the skin is the fragility of the capillaries. The causes of this condition may be associated with the Intake of medications or as a consequence of a particular disease.
In this sense, the capillaries are so sensitive that at the slightest contact them break and unleash a small bleeding, which in turn becomes what is known as a hematoma.
Note: It is important to note that to reverse it, treatments that strengthen the capillaries and improve blood circulation should be considered.
Low platelets
By decreasing the normal levels of platelets in the body , the blood tends not to clot properly, therefore, the blood vessels become more sensitive to contact and begin to break more easily, thus triggering bleeding that causes bruising.
Therefore, to determine the platelet count, it is necessary that you consult your doctor , he may order you to perform laboratory tests, which will determine the number of platelets you have and if this is the cause of the bruises on the legs.
Tip: Through a good diet you can increase platelets naturally, eating foods such as: spinach, beets and oranges.
Hormonal changes
In addition, alterations in the adrenal glands tend to result in capillary fragility, causing bruising to begin to develop without having received any impact on the skin.
Vigorous Physical Activity
Medicines
The ingestion of certain medicines usually results in capillary fragility, especially those that have contraindications that are associated with blood circulation and coagulation.
Important: It is appropriate that you do not self-medicate, or take medications without the supervision of a doctor , it is also necessary that you consult a specialist if you notice that bruises are appearing on your skin frequently and without any explanation.
How to remove bruises on the legs?
To eliminate unsightly bruises on your legs, we leave you the following list of the Best and most effective remedies that you can apply and thus make your legs look bruise-free:
Apply ICE
The analgesic effect of ice will make your vessels contract, reduces bleeding and inflammation, notably improving bruises in addition to the relaxing sensation it provides while the tissues are repaired.
Tip: Wrap the ice in a towel or cloth of your choice and apply it to the bruise for 10 minutes in 4 sessions. It is important that you do not place the ice directly on the area because this action can worsen your condition.
Use warm compresses
Warm compresses have as their main benefit their vasodilator effect, that is, they help the Expansion of blood vessels so that blood circulates more easily, which reduces the coloration of bruises and is also an effective Home remedy to eliminate blows. .
Tip:For the application of warm compresses, you must first heat it and place it in the area where you have the bruise, always checking that it is not too hot to avoid further skin injury. Leave it on until the compress loses its heat andRepeat 3 to 4 times a day.
Apply topical creams
Topical creams should be applied gently, since massages or rough contact on the affected area can worsen the bruise and cause more bleeding.
Tip: We recommend using creams based on ginkgo biloba, since this powerful medicinal plant has vasodilator properties that in turn will help you strengthen your capillaries, however, its application should not be excessive since it tends to significantly increase circulation sanguine.
Prevention of bruises on the legs
If you are one of the people who usually suffer from Bruises on the legs , it is important that you know the following Preventive methods that, together with your treatment to improve blood circulation , will significantly reduce bruising.
Maintain adequate nutrition
The human body needs to maintain its levels of essential nutrients in an optimal state to function properly, therefore, any health condition is closely linked to a poor diet, making it essential to eat foods rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins, fiber and other components.
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You should know: Some foods with a higher content of vitamin E are: nuts such as almonds, pistachios and hazelnuts, you can also consume avocado, fish and spinach.
exercise
Physical activity not only improves heart health, it also strengthens the tissues that make up the muscles and blood vessels under the skin.
Therefore, Exercising constantly is one of the most effective treatments against bruises, since it helps improve blood circulation, thus preventing the formation of bruises with a simple brush.
Note: The exercises should be of moderate intensity so that your body gets used to them, because if your skin is sensitive to sudden movements and you do activities that require more effort compared to what you are used to, they may begin to develop small bleeding under the skin.
Avoid prolonged physical immobility
People who suffer from diseases related to blood coagulation, including the rupture of small blood vessels, should maintain low-intensity physical routines to keep these strong and there are no ruptures that cause bruising due to prolonged physical immobility.
Likewise, when it comes to patients who find it difficult to move their lower extremities due to another pathology, they can turn to physiotherapists, these being the specialists indicated to improve muscle-related diseases.
protect yourself from the sun
Prolonged exposure to the sun weakens the skin and therefore the capillaries that make it up, therefore, we recommend the use of sunscreen with a protection index greater than or equal to 50 to avoid direct contact with UV rays.
Important: You should apply sunscreen every two hours, especially if you are at the beach, pool, or in humid environments. Likewise, it is important that you wear the correct clothing if you will be exposed to the sun for a long time.
Keep cholesterol and hypertension levels under control
High levels of bad cholesterol, or LDL, tend to cause blockages in the veins and main arteries of the human body, together with hypertension , they can be responsible for your capillaries breaking and bruising.
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University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.