Bruise turned into rash

[pmarler]

I had blood draw a little over a week ago. The site turned into a large dark bruise approx. 3 inches across. The bruise turned to the characteristic yellow a few days ago, and was almost completely gone. Today, I noticed itching where the bruise had been, and I now have small raised itchy bumps exactly where the bruise was. I put cortisone cream on the rash; however, it burned quite a bit, and the itching is pretty intense. What would cause a bruise to turn into a rash when it heals?

[Dr Santos]

Hi,

It is normal for the bruise to turn yellow before it completely heals. However, with the presence of rash and itching appearing at the site may indicate post inflammatory reaction. In particular, post inflammatory pigmentation usually emerge after recovery from an inflammation of the skin.  The skin will exhibit patches or dots of darkened areas that may also be due to episodic traumas which include burns or puncture wounds. Most persons who suffer from post-inflammatory pigmentation will heal with time.  Normally, their pigmentation will return to normal as the skin sheds the the outermost skin layer or the epidermis. If this persists, it would be best to see your dermatologist for proper management. Take care and keep us posted.

[lucasm]

I recently had spinal fusion surgery. The day after surgery,  I noticed a large bruise on each of my inner forearms where an IV had been placed and blood had pooled beneath the skin. I put a Vitamin K cream onto each of the bruises to dissolve and fade them. The bruises were gone after about a week but was replaced with an itchy rash that I've now had for 4 weeks. The rash is only on one arm. I'm using Benadryl cream to relieve the itching but it doesn't last and the itching is causing me to scratch like crazy. What is this and how do I get rid of it?

[pmarler]

I've looked up information on post inflammatory reaction, and most of the things I can find have to do with pigmentation. The rash I have is not lighter or darker spots on the skin. It's like an allergy rash. There are raised red bumps in the area where the bruise was, almost as though I'm having an allergic reaction to the bruising. I have had problems with skin rashes in the past, and my allergist ran tests a few months ago that indicated I tested positive for an autoimmune disorder; however, I was told the tests could have been a false positive, so I really didn't need to be concerned. It just seems strange to develop an allergy rash after having a bruise. It's almost as though I'm allergic to my own blood.

[wsoto56]

i have had the same thing happen to me, more than once. I am experiencing it right now. When it happens, it is after developing a large, dark bruise. I would like an answer too.

[JohnCary]

I am a general internist who has a patient who regularly develops an allergic-type rash overlying a bruise - any bruise for any reason.
I am equally puzzled that someone could be allergic to some component or breakdown product of their own blood, without showing any other sign of disease.
I have seen the rash on my patient, and I agree, it looks like a typical allergic rash.  I can only tell you that he has had this for years and has not so far developed any other sign of blood or immune disorder.  Wish I could be of more help.
John Cary, MD
Manassas, Virginia

[siesta]

Same thing happened to me.I fell 3 weeks ago. After a few days my entire leg was bruised from knee to toes, no pain. Then my shin area got this horrible rash over the bruise. All of my skin is now recovered except for this terrible itching rash. So I know how  mysterious this is to you and how badly I want to know what it is.

[tannersgranny]

I was kicked by a horse two weeks ago and now i have a very itchy rash exactlly where the bruise was. i have never had a bruise this bad before so i don't know if it is normal or not. Does anyone know how long the itching usually lasts or does it not ever stop? HELP!

[tiffanytennille]

I fell in the dog park onto my knee about 2 weeks ago.  My knee was swollen and sore for a day or two, then turned dark dark blues and reds and then the very next started to itch.  My doctor friend said, "maybe your knee landed in poison ivy?"... haha.  That's pretty much what it looked and felt like.  (But, no, the dog park is all regular lawn grass.)   The knee was still slightly swollen, like a pocket of fluid above the cap. Not too painful, really, and I could walk on it just fine.   The bruise was slowly fading, but the itching was awful.  Then two days ago, I was camping, and knelt down on the knee by mistake, and sorry to be gross, but it felt like the fluid pocket popped... my knee burned on the inside for a few minutes (while the fluid drained?) and then felt fine.  Today, the itching rash is COMPLETELY GONE.  I am really bewildered by this!   Just googled "knee bruise rash" and found this site.

[didelphus]

I'm having the same problem.  I had a very deep bruise (I think a busted blood vessel) from when I ran into my car door.  It healed over a few days and then the exact pattern of the bruise turned into a raised red very itchy rash.  
I've had an issue with small rashes over the last year which I think might be thrush related and I wondered if a pH change at the bruise site cause the rash or if it is autoimmune like you suggested.  Good to know we're not alone!

[fredly]

For about the past 2 years, I've been experiencing bruises that are dark purple and then seem to "bleach out" after a couple days or so. At about that same time, the intense itching occurs with a red bumpy raised rash that takes up the exact size/shape of the original bruise. It seems that once I start scratching it at all, the more intense the itching becomes. In February of 2007, I fell with all my weight on my left knee in a kneeling position. Immediately, it ballooned up and was severely bruised. Within a few days, the itchy raised red rash completely filled in all areas of bruising. The doctor prescribed antibiotics at that time with TOTAL bedrest as he thought it may be a cellulitis. I couldn't seem to convince him of my "bruise allergy" theory!! I haven't seen a dermatologist yet, but any other doctor seems to deny the possibility that I could actually be "allergic to my own bruises"! It's a very frustatrating situation...

[rosalina77]

has anyone else figured anything out on this issue?  a similar thing just happened to me.  a rather deep bruise on my thigh turned into a poison-ivy like rash right in the center.   it's such a strange thing, and has never happened to me before.

[carmencarp]

Wow I can't believe I found others with the same problem.  This is the second time a rash has appeared in the same spot and shape of a deep bruise.  Regular bruises don't seem affected.  I have a terrible rash with raised bumps that are driving me nuts.  It has been a month. First the doctor told me it was vasculitis.  The meds he gave me didn't work so he sent me to a dermatologist. The dermatologist says the bruise and the rash are not connected.  Bull.... I know my own body and it is not a coincidence.  Maybe once but not twice.  He told me it was due to my weight.  He gave me an ointment cyclocort and told me to come back in 6 weeks.  Now my arms and legs are itching like crazy.  I really wonder if it is an autoimmune problem.  Now how do I convince my doctor we need to try more test?

[pixie_oh]

I'm just wondering if there are any updates on this condition.  I've been dealing with this issue for the past two weeks.  I had bruising from injection sites.  The bruising was painless but incredibly dark in color, faded quickly and began to develop into an itchy rash when healing seemed almost complete.  I have checked the side affects of the medication I was using and see nothing similar listed.  I find the subject little discussed anywhere online...

Are there any suggestions for what to use to control the itching?

How long does it take for the rash to go away?

[eg14]

I am not a doctor nor do I play one on tv so the little information that I have found on the bruise/rash connection is strictly lay person material.  I too have had this happen a number of times.  I bruise easily but don't have the itch and bumps with every bruise, seemingly just the deeper bruises/hematomas. I have pernicious anemia so have to do vitamin B injections and sometimes have gotten the rash at injection sight.  Because of occasional contact dermatitis due to allergies, I intially thought that the redness and itch might be related to that, but after a few times having the itch and bumps cover the exact area of the (beginning to heal) bruise figured it had to be something else.  I recently read a brief response by a doctor to someone asking about this issue.  Basically the explanation was that the fluids released and blood clotting process that occurs in the healing of a deep tissue contusion also stimulates the body's histamine response- thus the itchy, redness, bumps, etc. that are common when the body has the histamine response an allergen.  This made alot of sense to me because the way I understood it, the body is having the same chemical/physical whatever reaction as it does to an allergen, only the origin isn't an allergen, its the body's physiological response to the injury and beginning the healing process. I don't know any of the technical terms as to why or how this happens and this is a very crude representation of the process and explanation I read to be sure. It seems to make alot of sense with the reaction being the exact injury/bruise/fluid area.  Of the possibly related explanations that I have come across- immune disease, cirrhosis of the liver- it fits best with what I have experienced and my health.  The anemia may be related because of blood protein, iron, etc. but I am in good general health and don't have any of the serious illnesses that I found in relation to "bruising and itching."  For relief I think the suggestion was an oral anti histamine and mentioned that topical creams will not help much.  I think beyond that, its wait it out.  One thing that I will throw out there as well.  Now that I have had this occur a few times, I think a couple of years ago I was misdiagnosed as having shingles.  My alleged bout with shingles was atypical from what I am told- extremely itchy, no pain or nausea, didn't spread, etc.  The area affected at that time, on my side, started as a bruise as well.  I have had this reaction on both sides of my body and following injury which doesn't really fit with shingles.  The doctor I read commented in  the few patients he has seen with this response, none of them was seriously ill and it always seemed to go away.  I came across this on a biking site and was glad to find it.  Hope the doc's information is accurate and that it helps.          

[AliBeeJay]

That is helpful, thank you.  I had a fall 5 days ago, fell on to my front on my ribs & gradually over the last few days have developed muscle pain in my right side front & back & an itchy rash.  Although I don’t appear to have broken anything I almost certainly have some internal bruising & pulled muscles.  I have some antihistamine pills so I will try that route.  Thanks.

[mommo327]

i think i am alergic to my oun blood too i only get the rash after a blood test bruise but it turns into something like poison ivy after the bruise starts to fade i hate getting blood test i have ask 4 or 5 drs. about this but no one seems to know any thing about this as a matter of fact they look at me like i am stupid if you find out any thing let me know please    mommo327

[lisag33]

My husband has been experiencing the same thing, having the itch and bumps cover the exact area of the (beginning to heal) bruise.
I'm wondering if it has something to do with the meds that he is on.  He had a stent put in about 6 months ago and is now taking 40mg of Zocor, 75mg of Plavix and 325mg of asprin daily.  Does anyone else take these meds? Should he speak with his cardio dr, internist or dermatologist?

[tompm]

On the same meds and just experienced the same thing.  I've not seen any Dr.s about it yet,

[Nickicole70]

I am a patient at a weight loss clinic that uses bi-weekly vitamin B injections as a supplement to the weight loss program.  I have had these weekly injections for over 4 months in the fatty skin of the hip (alternating weekly).  2 weeks ago, I bruised horribly on the left hip after a routine injection.  About 3 days later, I noticed I had a red, raised bumpy and itchy rash where the bruise was diminishing.  Then, about 7 days ago, I had ran into something and I developed a bruise under the right arm (long from scraping against something) and a few days later, a red, raised, bumpy and itchy rash developed.  I am at a loss.  I did ask the weightloss doctor today and she told me to take an antihistimine.   Is something in my blood attacking these areas?  I am at a loss?  

[mik84]

So i bruise really easily and three weeks ago ran into a bed frame and really had a bad bruise (and it urt like hell). Now the bruise is gone but very quickly after it healed i have a bad rash in the same area.  This has happened before and it went away..but this one seems a lot worse...took a benadryl and maybe it will help.  Can anyone figure this out?

[carmencarp]

I wanted to update this situation.  I went to the Dr and he made something up about my weight, blood vessels, etc.  He said the location of the rash was coincidental.  Yeah, right!  Anyway, my rash (have had since a bruise in January) improved so much that I thought it was finally subsiding.  But............when the warm weather hit it came back in full force.  Keep us up to date if you have found anything that helps.

[DebBrenn]

I get bruises all the time, since I am on Coumadin and Plavix for an artificial heart valve.  I now have one of my bigger bruises, which began pure black about the size of a baseball.  As it began to turn yellow a raised, itchy rash formed that covers the bruise but doesn't extend past it.  There's no way it's not related!  I also have allergies that make me prone to hives, so I'm thinking the allergy guess is probably right on.

[MFRANCO]

Ive been having the same experiences with a rash over my bruises when they start to heal (4 yrs now). i just went to the dermatologist (7-14-09) and he stated that there is a skin condition where you CAN be allergic to your own blood. He mentioned the exacted name of it but i wasnt paying much attention. He said that there was still spectical doctor to this theory, but there was indeed a name to all of our mysterious symtoms. I'm awaiting a biopsy test now, but i will call the doctor's office and ask him the exact name again and post it on here in a weeks time. As for the itching waiting it out or ask your doctor for an anti itch spray, yes there is such a thing i have it.

[MFRANCO]

The name for it is Autoerythrocyte Sensitization, it basically means your allergic to your own blood......

[kilali_nz]

I walked into a piece of furniture and in front of my leg half way below the knee to my ankle I received a scrape which bled and had severe bruising.  As the scrape started to heal I noticed that my bruising wasnt although the swelling had reduced. The area around the bruising felt softer than other areas of my leg and that area now for the last 5 years has always been dry, itchy and a dark patch comes up similar to bruising whenever I do itch that area.  Once told doc about it who prescribed some cream which did nothing.  Decided to live with it despite how annoying it is.

[AmazingRealtor]

I too fell on a metal car barrier. I was climbing over it and lost my footing and came down on it landing on the inside of my thigh. A bruise quickly developed and I had it for about 2 weeks. It began to heal and was almost completely gone. But suddenly a red, itchy rash appeared! I have had it for three days and it is not going away! Looks alot like poison ivy! There was no posion ivy near where I fell and I had on long pants. The fall did not cause my jeans to rip... just caused the bruise. The rash is directly where the bruise had been. I am a 45 year old woman who does bruise easily and have NEVER had a rash after a bruise! Very itchy, bothersome and strange! I investigated the Autoerythiocyte Senzation theory and DO NOT believe this is my case at all. Does anyone have any answers? How long will this last?

[Barb_j]

Wow, I am not alone!!  I had a tooth pulled about 3 weeks ago.  I developed a huge bruise on my chin which was most likely caused by the numerous shots I needed for this procedure.  The bruise lasted about a week and went away.  About a week later a smaller bruise appeared in the same general area.  That went away after a couple days and then this itchy sore rash appeared in the same area as the second bruise.  I am trying some essential oils that have been beneficial for the itching but the rash has remained for about 3 days now.  I will report back if this helps.  

[maxcat01]

I really cant believe so many of us have the same issue; and no one knows what the reason is?  In May I closed the car door on my leg.  It left a deep bruise; that is still there.  About a month ago I went to the Dr because I had not been feeling well.  I had a sinus infection; virus and female bacteria issue.  In conjunction with that; the bruise from May has turned brown and has a horrible raised itchy rash?  The first time I when I was at the Dr's they told me it was just a coincidence that the raised itchy rash appeared on my buise and was the same exact size?  I was told it was a fungal rash?  Really?  So I have an infection, a virus, and bacterial and a fungal rash??  I was told to go to the drug store and get fungal cream.  I followed these instructions.  The rash got worse; I went back to the Dr as follow up to all of the other things and metioned the rash issue.  They gave me a prescription strength fungal cream.  A week later and the area is lumpier then ever - itchy and warm to the touch.  I'm at a loss??  What is it and how can I make it go away!  Why is my body getting hit with all of this stuff at once?  Why does the Dr continue to say is just a coincidence that this awful rash is on top of a buise - it goes no further then the buries - if it was fungal; would it not migrate out and around the buise?  Looking for some relief and some answere's!