Medical professionals have shed light on how to distinguish between a mere bruise and a potentially alarming condition, in the wake of President Donald Trump’s recent diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency.
This development comes amid public conjecture about a marking on his hand that was originally written off as just a bruise.
Experts from the Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) explain that while bruises are generally harmless and occur frequently, some changes in skin color might indicate a more serious health issue, according to a report by Mirror US.
“We often receive patients weeks after they first notice what appears to be a simple bruise, only to discover it was an early indicator of a vein disorder or even a blood clot,” explained 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
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), hundreds of thousands of individuals experience blood clots annually, with many facing life-threatening complications like pulmonary embolisms.
Incorrect diagnosis or treatment delays, especially when clots are confused with bruises, can be deadly.
In President Trump’s case, what the public perceived as a “bruise” on his hand was possibly linked to a circulatory issue that is more prevalent than typically recognized. “Chronic venous insufficiency can affect anyone, including a president. It affects millions of Americans,” cautioned Dr. Kim.
“We want people to know when to watch and when to act.”
If you are uncertain whether a mark on your leg or body is merely a bruise or something more severe, it is crucial to seek prompt medical advice from a vein specialist.
An early assessment could be a lifesaver.
