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Why do I bruise so easily? Could it be something serious?

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/sant-rayn-pasricha-9134">Sant-Rayn Pasricha</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/walter-and-eliza-hall-institute-822">Walter and Eliza Hall Institute</a> After a bump, we can expect a bruise. But what if we find ourselves bruising without any noticeable cause? What might be behind it? Should we worry? Around <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20942847/">18%</a> of adults report easy bruising. As haematologists (blood doctors), we are often asked for advice when people are worried they might bruise too easily. Here is how we think about the problem. <h2>What the blood does</h2> Firstly, it helps to understand the complex, carefully balanced systems in our body that protect us from bleeding. Blood flows as a liquid through our blood vessels, carrying red cells with their cargo of oxygen and immune cells to defend us from infections, to our brain, muscles and internal organs. Blood contains ingredients that are carefully balanced to protect us from bleeding if we are injured, while simultaneously minimising the risk of dangerous blood clot formation. If a “puncture” occurs in a blood vessel, blood can rapidly thicken to form a jellylike clot, to minimise blood loss until the vessel repairs itself. To achieve this, tiny cell fragments called <a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/dlp/platelet-information.html#:%7E:text=Platelets%2C%20or%20thrombocytes%2C%20are%20small,white%20blood%20cells%2C%20and%20platelets.">platelets</a> that circulate in the blood bind to the damaged blood vessel wall. A host of proteins (<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507850/">clotting factors</a>), attracted by the platelets and damaged vessel wall, then combine to thicken the blood at the site and form a blood clot. Like all blood cells, platelets are made in the bone marrow, while clotting factors are mostly made in the liver. So what can go wrong? If we have a problem affecting either our clotting factors, our platelets, or our blood vessel walls, we can find ourselves developing easy bruising or even problematic bleeding. <h2>Could it be a problem?</h2> In many patients who report easy bruising, haematologists can’t find any particular cause. Blood doctors are usually more cautious when a person has a constellation of problems related to bleeding. For example, a disorder is more likely if the bruising is widespread with <a href="https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/ss/slideshow-bruise-guide">large bruises</a>, is accompanied by frequent <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/13464-nosebleed-epistaxis">nosebleeds</a>, <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/blooddisorders/women/symptoms.html">heavy periods</a>, problems with bleeding after major dental work, surgery or childbirth – or even <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30017659/">spontaneous serious bleeding</a> into joints or into the brain. A few simple tests can help us figure out if there is likely to be a serious problem. The first we would perform for any person reporting easy bruising is a <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/full-blood-count">full blood count</a>. This will include a measurement of the platelet count and reliably show if the platelet numbers are normal. Our platelets can be reduced for a number of reasons – either because they are not being produced in the bone marrow appropriately or in sufficient quantity, or because they are being removed from the circulation too quickly. The latter scenario happens in a common condition called <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537240/#:%7E:text=Immune%20thrombocytopenic%20purpura%20(ITP)%20is%20an%20autoimmune%20disease%20characterized%20by,autoantibodies%20sensitize%20the%20circulating%20platelets.">immune thrombocytopenic purpura</a>. This condition can affect children or adults out of the blue or following a viral infection. Patients can develop severe reductions in their platelet count and come out in a fine rash, which is actually small bruises. In children, it is usually a short-term condition that recovers by itself. In adults, severe cases may need treatment with medicines that suppress the immune system or boost platelet production. Sometimes adults need surgery to remove the spleen. <h2>Problems with clotting proteins and diseases</h2> Clotting factors – the proteins mentioned earlier – can be affected by a range of inherited or acquired causes. Some people are born with low levels of important factors that help the blood clot when it needs to control bleeding. <a href="https://www.hemophilia.org/bleeding-disorders-a-z/types/hemophilia-a">Haemophilia A</a> is seen almost exclusively in men and is caused by a genetic reduction in Factor VIII (a key clotting factor). Both men and women can have <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/vwd/facts.html">von Willebrand Disease</a>, which involves reduced production or function of another key clotting factor. Liver disease can also cause clotting problems. That’s why the second test we perform in any person reporting easy bruising is to measure clotting function. If we find an abnormality, we’ll follow up by testing the levels of key clotting factors. <h2>Problems with blood vessels</h2> Though rare today, severe vitamin C deficiency used to more commonly cause easy bruising and gum bleeding (“<a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/scurvy">scurvy</a>”) and <a href="https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/ss/slideshow-why-bruise-easily">deficiencies</a> can still cause bruising. Several diseases can cause blood vessel thinning or inflammation, including <a href="https://www.rch.org.au/clinicalguide/guideline_index/HenochSchonlein_Purpura/">Henoch-Schonlein purpura</a> – an autoimmune condition that results in leg and thigh bruising. <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/senile-purpura">Older people</a> can have fragile skin and blood vessels, making bruising more likely. <h2>Medicines and supplements</h2> We always ask patients about their medication and alternative medicine use. <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/low-dose-aspirin/side-effects-of-low-dose-aspirin/#:%7E:text=Because%20aspirin%20helps%20to%20stop,an%20injury%20or%20a%20cut.">Aspirin</a> – often prescribed to prevent platelets from worsening the risk of cardiac disease or stroke – can also reduce platelet function. Medications like clopidogrel (to stop problem clotting) and non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (like ibuprofen or others taken for pain and inflammation) can <a href="https://www.uptodate.com/contents/nonsteroidal-antiinflammatory-drugs-nsaids-beyond-the-basics">reduce platelet function</a>. <a href="https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/STROKEAHA.120.029541">Blood thinners</a> such as warfarin, apixaban and rivaroxaban, prescribed to people with a higher risk of clots leading to stroke, can affect bruising. People using oral or inhaled <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK531462/#:%7E:text=Oral%20Administration&text=Long%2Dterm%20oral%20corticosteroid%20therapy,sclerosis%2C%20organ%20transplantation%2C%20etc.">corticosteroids</a> for a prolonged period (such as for chronic illnesses) may notice increased bruising because of thinning of the skin and weakened blood vessel walls. Over-the-counter supplements including <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3760599/">gingko and vitamin E</a> can also promote easy bruising, as can some <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5035804/">antidepressant</a> medications. <h2>Questions of abuse and trauma</h2> Finally, blood vessels can be damaged by trauma. Clinicians should carefully ask if the person has experienced any injuries, including a sensitive <a href="https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2016/0215/p279.html">consideration</a> of child abuse or intimate partner violence. While there are many medical conditions that can cause easy bruising, if you don’t have a strong history of other forms of excessive bleeding, and your blood counts and clotting function tests are normal, it shouldn’t be a cause for concern.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/207736/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/sant-rayn-pasricha-9134">Sant-Rayn Pasricha</a>, Division Head, Population Health and Immunity, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/walter-and-eliza-hall-institute-822">Walter and Eliza Hall Institute</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-do-i-bruise-so-easily-could-it-be-something-serious-207736">original article</a>.

Body

How to clean your leather products easily at home

Whether you want to protect your shoes, fix up your handbag or give life back to a belt, cleaning leather is actually a lot easier than you might think. You won’t need to pay someone else to do it once you learn just how easy it is to do at home. All you need is some non-toxic dishwashing liquid (such as the eco store brand, available from the supermarket). That’s right, the stuff you use to scrub your dishes work perfectly well to clean your leather items as well. You will need: <ul> <li>1 tbsp non-toxic dishwashing liquid</li> <li>2 large mixing bowls or buckets</li> <li>2 clean cloths </li> <li>Leather conditioner to protect the item (optional)</li> </ul> How to: <ol> <li>Squeeze one tablespoon of liquid into a mixing bowl and add warm water to mix it together. </li> <li>Fill a second bowl with warm water.</li> <li>Dip one cloth into the soapy water, squeeze to remove excess water, and use it to wipe down the leather with gentle strokes. </li> <li>Dip one corner of the second cloth into the fresh water, give it a squeeze and then use it to wipe the leather again to remove the soapy water. </li> <li>Use the dry part of the clean cloth to thoroughly dry the leather item and then place somewhere out of the elements to air dry completely before use.</li> <li>Once dry you can opt to protect your leather goods by applying a water-resistant leather conditioner, such as Dubbin, which you can buy from the supermarket. </li> </ol> What’s your favourite leather item that you’ve ever bought? We would to hear from you in the comments.

Beauty & Style

Software engineer EASILY hacks airline website to find lost luggage

A software engineer has shared just how easy it was – scarily so – for him to hack an airline’s system. Nandan Kumar was on a domestic flight on Indian airline IndiGo and revealed that he and a passenger had mistakenly taken each other’s bags. He tried calling IndiGo multiple times and was unsuccessful, so decided to put his skills to use and find whoever took his bag. Nandan shared the entire ordeal on Twitter, showing how easy it was to hack IndiGo’s website and find other passengers’ details. “I reached home when my wife pointed out that the bag seems to be different from ours as we don’t use key based locks in our bags,” he wrote. “So right after reaching home I called your customer care. After multiple calls and navigating through @IndiGo6Eand of course a lot of waiting I was able to connect to one of your customer care agents and they tried to connect me with the co-passenger. But all in vain. “Long story short, I couldn't get any resolution on the issue. And neither your customer care team was not ready to provide me with the contact details of the person citing privacy and data protection.” Nandan said customer service assured him they would call back in the morning but when they didn’t he knew it was time to “take the matter in my own hands”. “After all the failed attempts, my dev instinct kicked in and I pressed the F12 button on my computer keyboard and opened the developer console on the @IndiGo6E website and started the whole checkin flow with network log record on. “And there in one of the network responses was the phone number and email of my co-passenger. “I made note of the details and decided to call the person and try to get the bags swapped.” Luckily the pair were not far from each other and agreed to meet at a central place to exchange the bags. Nandan, however, went one step further and urged IndiGo to update their website – as it was way too easy to hack! Image: Twitter

Travel Trouble

How to easily save videos on Facebook

Since Facebook wants to keep you on their app all the time, every second of the day, they make it difficult to save or “bookmark” things as they’d prefer it if you came back to watch it on the Facebook app. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t save or download videos to watch later, whether you’re on your computer, Android phone or iPhone. Saving or “bookmarking” a video Facebook offers a bookmarking section that you’re able to use within the platform. You’re able to save videos to watch them again later. The steps to do this are as follows: <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Find the video you want to save</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Tap or click on the three dots at the top right of the post</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Click on “Save video”</li> </ol> You’ve saved your first video! Now, if you want to watch it again later, this is easy to find as well: <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;">If you’re on a computer, click on the Facebook icon at the top left of your window. Click on “Watch” and then “saved videos”.</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">If you’re on your phone, tap the three horizontal lines, then tap “saved”.</li> </ol> Do you know any handy Facebook hacks? Let us know in the comments below.

Technology

Why women put on weight more easily than men

We all know the basic principle of weight loss – if you want to shed some kilos, you need to eat fewer kilojoules than you burn throughout the day. But even with this in mind, why does it seem that men have it so much easier when it comes to getting rid of unwanted fat? According to Dr Michele Olson at Auburn University Montgomery, men are able to burn much energy than women simply because their muscles, heart, kidneys and other organs are larger and their body fat lower, giving them more active metabolic body mass. “This is a case where the other person can eat more due to having a higher metabolic rate,” she tells <a href="http://www.popsugar.com/fitness/Why-Do-Women-Gain-More-Weight-Than-Men-16730473" target="_blank">PopSugar</a>. “In fact, his body might actually need those extra calories to supply his larger, muscle-based organs. “Lance Armstrong, for example, is a lean machine and does not weigh much for his height. But, his heart is huge! Not only does he get to eat a lot of calories due to training, he must eat enough to sustain what's not seen on the outside (his large heart) in conjunction with his low-fat, primarily muscled (though not huge) physique.” A <a href="http://www.abdn.ac.uk/news/8650/" target="_blank">recent study</a> by scientists at the University of Aberdeen found that even in mice, males were able to eat more, exercise less and still become lean. Females, on the other hand, did not experience the same transformation. “Currently there is no difference in how obesity is treated in men and women,” lead researcher Professor Lora Heisler said. “However, what we have discovered is that the part of the brain that has a significant influence on how we use the calories that we eat is wired differently in males and females.” The odds are also stacked against women because of a number of bodily processes that men simply don’t go through, including menopause and pregnancy. Weight-wise, even puberty is harder on the fairer sex! However, this doesn’t mean it’s impossible for women to achieve and maintain a healthy, lean body – even after 60. Here are a few quick tips to get you started. <ul> <li>Drink more water – Staying hydrated helps the metabolism and aids in digestion. Often, we mistake thirst for hunger, so next time you think you need that biscuit, grab a glass of water.</li> <li>Don’t be afraid of weights – Muscle mass decreases with age, so it’s essential to do regular strength training. Plus, the more muscle you have, the more fat you’ll burn.</li> <li>Eat more protein – Consumption of lean protein should increase as you age to help combat muscle loss, plus it’s much more filling than unhealthy, empty-calorie snacks.</li> <li>Don’t expect miracles – Don’t give up if you don’t notice any changes in the first week or even month. Weight loss takes longer when you’re older, so stick to your guns and be patient.</li> </ul> Tell us in the comments below, what do you like to do to keep yourself lean and active?

Body

8 pieces of wall art that you can easily make yourself

Why struggle to find that perfect – and often expensive – piece of art for your wall when you can easily make it yourself? Try out one of these eight awesome DIY wall art ideas that are sure to add a personalised touch to your home. 1. CD mosaic <img width="340" height="604" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7414/creative-fun-for-all-ages-with-easy-diy-wall-art-projects_homesthetocsnet-2.jpg" alt="Creative -Fun -For -All -Ages -With -Easy -DIY-Wall -Art -Projects _homesthetocs .net -2" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> If you’ve got an assortment of unwanted CDs and want to add a reflective flare to your wall, try this CD mosaic. All you need is scissors, an adhesive, CDs, and a sturdy canvas. Cut up CDs into various sizes using sharp scissors. If you find that the CDs tear or crumble under your effort, try industrial strength scissors. From here, just glue the CD shards, reflective side up, in an abstract pattern across your canvas, let dry, and you’re done! Photo source: http://homesthetics.net/ 2. Rainbow rain drops <img width="500" height="458" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7415/rain_500x458.jpg" alt="Rain" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> If you want to add a bit of colour to your or your grandchild’s room, try this simple wall piece using numerous colours of thick felt. Cut a large cloud out of a white or grey felt, then create rain drops in colour. Use fishing line to string the drops at alternating lengths from the cloud and hang. <a href="http://www.woohome.com/interiors/top-28-most-adorable-diy-wall-art-projects-for-kids-room"> </a> Photo source: woohome.com 3. Doily canvas <img width="500" height="666" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7416/img_5613-e1336408671169-500x666.jpg" alt="IMG_5613-e 1336408671169-500x 666" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> This piece can add a feminine touch to any room. All you need is a canvas, various-sized doilies (the number of which will vary depending on the size of your canvas) and spray paint in your desired colour. Just lay the canvas flat over a drop cloth, place your doilies where desired, and give the canvas a thorough coating of paint. Wait a few minutes and remove the doilies from the canvas, where they will have left their contrasting silhouette behind. Photo source: http://shealynnbenner.com/ 4. Twined words <img width="499" height="390" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7417/yarn-love-sign_10-1_499x390.jpg" alt="Yarn -Love -Sign _10-1" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> This adorable wall piece can be created using a base of either cardboard or wire. For the cardboard, cut it into your desired lettering. For wire, bend its shape until it is manipulated into the word you wish to form. The rest is simple: tape or glue-gun your yarn to one end of the word, wrap it around continuously until the entire piece is covered, and hang! Photo source: http://diycandy.com/ 5. Yarn wrap CDs <img width="400" height="268" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7418/dsc_0153.jpg" alt="DSC_0153" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> This piece is a hybrid of number 1 and 4: yarn wrapped CDs. This one is more of a long term project, but that means you can enlist your grandchildren for help and work on it together. Using different coloured yarns, weave simple or intricate designs around the CDs: the funkier the better. Attach together and hang. The best part? You can continue the memories by adding to your collection over time. <a href="http://makeitawonderfullife.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/update-on-weaving-project.html"></a>Photo source: makeitawonderfullife 6. Fish scale canvas <img width="500" height="500" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7420/let_s_go_sunning_hga3dt_500x500.jpg" alt="Let _s _Go _Sunning _hga 3dt" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> Care to add a little texture to your wall? You might want to try this fish scale wall canvas. Just cut out circles of poster board in your desired colour (you can spray paint these if you wish.) Apply these circles to your canvas, overlapping in layers. You will need to trim the outer circles straight to line up with the canvas. Photo source: sheknows.com 7. Geometric colours <img width="500" height="380" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7421/dsc_01062_500x380.jpg" alt="DSC_01062" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> Add an accent colour to your room with this technique. Using painting tape, tape off sections of a canvas in an abstract geometric pattern. Paint over the tape, let dry, and peel away to reveal a dynamic linear display. <a href="http://thenewdomestic.com/2010/03/weekend-art-project/"></a>Photo source: http://thenewdomestic.com/ 8. Magazine custom quote <img width="499" height="373" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7422/diy-canvas-painting-2_499x373.jpg" alt="DIY Canvas Painting 2" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> For a customizable, colourful quote, try this magazine project. Using old magazines and a canvas, tear up pages of the magazines and glue them over the surface. To encourage texture, there’s no need to be careful or formulaic in your gluing. Use the prettiest magazine pages where you intend to place your words. Next, spell out your phrase using adhesive lettering. To get your phrase to fit correctly, line up the last letter of each word first. Finally, paint over the entire canvas in white using a sponge brush, let dry, and remove your letters to reveal your quote. Photo source: www.six2eleven.net

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