Medical professionals have revealed how to differentiate between an ordinary bruise and something far more concerning, following President Donald Trump’s recent chronic venous insufficiency diagnosis.
This development comes amid public conjecture about a marking on his hand that was originally written off as just a bruise.
Healthcare specialists from the Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) clarify that whilst bruises are commonplace and typically benign, certain skin colour changes might signal something considerably more grave, reports the Mirror US.
“Many patients come to us weeks after noticing what they thought was a simple bruise, but in reality, it was an early sign of a vein disorder or even a blood clot,” shared Dr. Pamela Kim, a vein specialist at CVR.
“Knowing the difference can be lifesaving.”
Here’s how to tell the difference
- Bruises usually occur after trauma and change color over time, starting red or purple, then turning green, yellow or brown as they heal.
- Blood clots (like deep vein thrombosis or DVT) often remain red, swollen and painful without changing colour, and may occur without any injury at all.
- Vein-related bruising often occurs in the legs due to weakened or varicose veins, and can appear spontaneously, sometimes with tenderness or swelling.
Additional symptoms that should prompt medical evaluation include:
- Persistent swelling or warmth in a limb
- Unusual tenderness without a clear cause
- Skin discolouration that doesn’t fade
- A visible bulge or hardness under the skin
Why this is important now
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that hundreds of thousands of people suffer from blood clots each year, with many succumbing to complications such as pulmonary embolisms.
Incorrect diagnosis or treatment delays, especially when clots are confused with bruises, can be deadly.
Regarding President Trump, what the public interpreted as a “bruise” on his hand was potentially connected to a circulatory condition that’s more widespread than many appreciate. “Chronic venous insufficiency can affect a president or anyone else. It impacts millions of Americans,” warned Dr. Kim.
“We want people to know when to watch and when to act.”
If you’re unsure whether a mark on your leg or body is just a bruise or something more serious, don’t delay. Seek immediate medical attention from a vein specialist.
An early assessment could be a lifesaver.