Is it possible to get bruises from stress

I am really confused on what this disease actually is since it is really rare. National Institutes of Health. COVID is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation. Menu Search Home Diseases Gardner-Diamond syndrome. You can help advance rare disease research! This site is in-development and may not reflect the final version. Preview the new GARD site. Other Names:. Autoerythrocyte sensitization; Psychogenic purpura; Autoerythrocyte sensitization purpura; Autoerythrocyte sensitization; Psychogenic purpura; Autoerythrocyte sensitization purpura; Painful bruising syndrome; Autoerythrocyte sensitization syndrome; GDS See More.

Behavioral and mental disorders ; Skin Diseases. Summary Summary. Symptoms Symptoms. People with Gardner-Diamond syndrome have reported that bruises occur either spontaneously or after trauma or surgery even at other sites of the body. Some people are able to pinpoint exactly when the bruising occurred, while others are not. In some cases, episodes may also be accompanied by fever, headache, or gastrointestinal symptoms. Sometimes, pain and swelling is severe enough to cause immobilization of the affected body part.

People have reported that the pain generally subsides when the bruises appear. In some cases, symptoms of the condition persist and may worsen. Subsequent episodes are most likely to occur after some sort of physical trauma or stress. Cause Cause. The underlying cause of Gardner-Diamond syndrome GDS is poorly understood and has not been identified. Experts have proposed several possible explanations including: [1] response to stress - stress, or distress, is associated with increased levels of glucocorticoids and catecholamines in the body, which may alter processes such as fibrinolysis the breakdown of blood clots increased fibrinolysis - an increase in the activity of tissue plasminogen activator tPA , which can cause a cascade of events that may lead to bleeding autoerythrocyte sensitization - an autoimmune reaction to the affected person's own red blood cells erythrocytes.

Diagnosis Diagnosis. There are no specific laboratory tests that can confirm the diagnosis of Gardner-Diamond syndrome GDS , but various tests may be used to rule out other conditions. The diagnosis may be considered based on the presence of symptoms, when all other causes of bleeding have been ruled out including the use or misuse of various medications that may be associated with bleeding.

While the underlying cause of GDS is unknown, an abnormal psychiatric history is virtually always present. Treatment Treatment. For example, in a person with GDS and an underlying personality disorder, medications used to treat the personality disorder may help with the symptoms of GDS. You can also put direct pressure on the area for 15 minutes at a time. How old are you? Less than 3 years. Are you male or female? Why do we ask this question? The medical assessment of symptoms is based on the body parts you have.

If you are transgender or nonbinary, choose the sex that matches the body parts such as ovaries, testes, prostate, breasts, penis, or vagina you now have in the area where you are having symptoms. If you have some organs of both sexes, you may need to go through this triage tool twice once as "male" and once as "female". This will make sure that the tool asks the right questions for you.

Do you have symptoms of shock? The symptoms in an adult or older child are different than the symptoms in a young child. Has there been a decrease in how alert or aware you are or how well you can think and respond? Do you have symptoms of a serious illness? The symptoms in an adult or older child are different than the symptoms in a baby or toddler. Are there any symptoms of infection? Are there red streaks leading away from the area or pus draining from it? Do you have diabetes, a weakened immune system , peripheral arterial disease, or any surgical hardware in the area?

Diabetes, immune problems, peripheral arterial disease, or surgical hardware in affected area. Do you think you may have a fever? Do you have any abnormal bleeding? Do you feel lightheaded or dizzy, like you are going to faint?

It's normal for some people to feel a little lightheaded when they first stand up. But anything more than that may be serious. Are you bleeding now? Do you think that the bruising may have been caused by abuse?

Has the number or size of bruises or blood spots increased for no clear reason? Was the increase in bruises or blood spots fast? Do you take a medicine that affects the blood's ability to clot? This may include blood thinners and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These medicines can cause bleeding and can make it harder to control bleeding.

Were the bruises caused by an injury? Did a large, painful, very swollen bruise develop within 30 minutes after the injury? Have you had bruises or blood spots for more than 2 weeks? These include: Your age. Babies and older adults tend to get sicker quicker. Your overall health. If you have a condition such as diabetes, HIV, cancer, or heart disease, you may need to pay closer attention to certain symptoms and seek care sooner. Medicines you take. Certain medicines, such as blood thinners anticoagulants , medicines that suppress the immune system like steroids or chemotherapy, herbal remedies, or supplements can cause symptoms or make them worse.

Recent health events , such as surgery or injury. These kinds of events can cause symptoms afterwards or make them more serious. Your health habits and lifestyle , such as eating and exercise habits, smoking, alcohol or drug use, sexual history, and travel. Try Home Treatment You have answered all the questions. Try home treatment to relieve the symptoms.

Call your doctor if symptoms get worse or you have any concerns for example, if symptoms are not getting better as you would expect. You may need care sooner.

Shock is a life-threatening condition that may quickly occur after a sudden illness or injury. Adults and older children often have several symptoms of shock. These include: Passing out losing consciousness. Feeling very dizzy or lightheaded, like you may pass out. Feeling very weak or having trouble standing. Not feeling alert or able to think clearly.

You may be confused, restless, fearful, or unable to respond to questions. Shock is a life-threatening condition that may occur quickly after a sudden illness or injury.

Babies and young children often have several symptoms of shock. Being very sleepy or hard to wake up. Not responding when being touched or talked to. Breathing much faster than usual. Acting confused. The child may not know where he or she is.

Examples of abnormal bleeding include: Nosebleeds. Vaginal bleeding that is different heavier, more frequent, at a different time of month than what you are used to. Rectal bleeding and bloody stools. Bloody or pink urine. Gums that bleed easily when you eat or gently brush your teeth. A few examples are: Aspirin and other medicines called blood thinners that prevent blood clots.

Also, taking a nonprescription medicine with a blood thinner may increase your risk of bruising and bleeding. Medicines used to treat cancer. Steroids, such as prednisone. Symptoms of infection may include: Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in or around the area.

Red streaks leading from the area. Pus draining from the area. A fever. Symptoms of serious illness may include: A severe headache. A stiff neck. Mental changes, such as feeling confused or much less alert. Extreme fatigue to the point where it's hard for you to function. Shaking chills. Symptoms of serious illness in a baby may include the following: The baby is limp and floppy like a rag doll.

The baby doesn't respond at all to being held, touched, or talked to. The baby is hard to wake up. Long-term alcohol and drug problems. Steroid medicines, which may be used to treat a variety of conditions. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer. The area often is swollen, tender or painful. Minor accidents — running into furniture, falling, dropping something on your leg, hand or foot — are the most common cause of bruising. So can prescription medicines, such as certain antidepressants.

Angelini says. Age is another factor. Older adults may bruise more easily than younger people. Their thinning skin often has less fat underneath to cushion the blood vessels. Bruises due to minor injuries or accidents usually disappear on their own after a week or two.

During the healing process, the bruise will change color before fading away. During an office visit, your doctor will review your family and personal medical history. If your doctor decides medication is probably causing your bruising, he or she will discuss other options.