A bruise is defined as a tear or rupture of the capillaries causing blood to leak from the site of injury underneath the skin. Bruises are the body's normal response to injury and are usually red at first, then change to a bluish or dark color as...
Blood contains a number of proteins called coagulation factors, and blood cell fragments called platelets, that work together to form clots in the blood and prevent excessive or abnormal bleeding. When one of these factors is missing from the...
The blood contains at least 20 proteins, called clotting factors, and a number of blood cell fragments that are responsible for forming clots in the blood. When a person gets injured, clots form and plug the wound to prevent excessive bleeding....
Bone marrow is a spongy tissue inside of the bones that is responsible for producing new blood cells. Once produced, blood cells move into the blood plasma, which contains platelets and other proteins, called coagulation factors, which help the...
In a stroke, one small blood clot can cause facial drooping, problems with speech, paralysis and cognitive deficits. Preparation and early intervention are important. Once the physician rules out a hemorrhagic stroke, tissue plasminogen activator...
Purpura is a non-contagious skin rash resulting from inflamed blood vessels in the skin. There are two types of purpura which can be found in anyone, from infants to adults. Both disorders are usually not life-threatening and normally disappear...
According to The Mayo Clinic, "A bruise forms when a blow breaks small blood vessels near your skin's surface, allowing a small amount of blood to leak out into the tissues under your skin. The trapped blood appears as a black-and-blue mark"....
Meningitis is a serious medical condition in which the membranous tissue (meninges) that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord is infected, according to the Mayo Clinic. There are two types of meningitis: viral meningitis, which usually...
Ginger is an herb that has been used medicinally for centuries. Ginger is most frequently consumed to improve digestion and to help dissipate the symptoms of nausea, diarrhea and upset stomach. Ginger can be found in many forms, including fresh,...
Coumadin (warfarin) is a medication in a class of drugs known as anticoagulants. It is used to help thin the blood and keep it from forming blood clots, which may cause stroke. Coumadin is used for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis (blood...
Hemophilia is a disease in which the body does not manufacture enough of the component within blood that enables clotting. Since hemophilia is a genetic disease, its presence is obvious from early on. Sharp baby teeth may cut into gums and cause...
A bruise occurs when the tiny blood vessels beneath the surface of your skin are ruptured by impact with a blunt object. It is characterized by reddish-purple discoloration caused by the accumulation of blood beneath your skin's surface. Bruises...
Bruising occurs when the soft tissue composed of blood vessels becomes damaged and results in a bluish discoloration of the skin. A bruise appearing occasionally on your body is quite common. However, excessive and unexplained bruising can cause...
Platelets are very tiny blood cells that have a key role in blood clotting. Platelets come together to form plug-like structures that block the flow of bleeding upon injury. When circulating platelet levels become low, a condition known as...
Breast reduction surgery occurs when excess fat, tissue and/or skin are removed from the breasts, according to the MayoClinic.com. Women who have large breasts may elect to have breast reduction surgery in order to alleviate pressure or achieve a...
Platelets, or thrombocytes, are the colorless blood cells important for plugging holes in blood vessel walls. Thrombocytopenia, a low blood platelet count generally is associated with an immune system disorder, a blood disorder or as the side...
Zucchini is a member of the squash family and is in season in late summer and early fall. OrganicGardening.com recommends choosing a zucchini that is 3 to 4 inches across and about 4 to 6 inches long. A zucchini stays fresh in the refrigerator for...
According to KidsHealth.org, jaundice usually appears by the second or third day of an infant's life. It can first be spotted on the face or head. The jaundice will then spread down the body from the head. Initially, the infant will have yellowing...
Pregnancy seizures are called eclampsia. Eclampsia is life threatening for the you and your child. During a routine prenatal examination symptoms can be found in women at risk for seizures during pregnancy. The cause is unknown so there is no...
Doxycycline is a type of tetracycline antibiotic typically used to treat bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections, gum disease and some sexually transmitted diseases. It is also used to treat mild to moderate inflammatory adult acne,...
Hernias are a condition in which the intestines slip through an opening in the abdominal muscles and cause a lump under the skin. More common in men, they can also be present in the belly button or where a past surgical incision was made. Hernias...
Body contouring comes in many shapes. If you believe you are a good candidate for body contouring, you should contact a board-certified plastic surgeon and check his references. Body contouring surgery isn't just for vanity reasons. Many people...
Vitamin K represents a group of fat-soluble vitamins that are essential for the process of blood clotting, or coagulation. In fact, vitamin K is named after the German word, "koagulation" and was discovered by a Danish researcher in 1929. Vitamins...
Permanent makeup has emerged on the plastic surgery market as a means to enhance the eyes, eyebrows, lips, blush or eye shadow. Similar to tattooing, the technique uses a specialized ink to administer the desired effects (typically a black line)...
Mold thrives in damp, dark places, like under sinks, on shower walls, in basements and between window panes. Having mold in your house is not just disgusting to look at, however; it's also a potential health hazard. "Many molds can cause allergens...
Your kidneys, fist-sized, bean-shaped organs, are situated on either side of your spine behind your upper abdomen. The kidneys filter toxins from your bloodstream, especially those produced during food metabolism. The organs also help regulate...
A low platelet count, or thrombocytopenia, is a disorder in which the body produces abnormally low platelets. Platelets play a vital role in helping the blood to clot. Signs of thrombocytopenia include excessive bruising, nosebleeds, spontaneous...
Vitamin K may not be as widely known as other vitamins, but without it we could bleed to death from something as minor as a paper cut. The letter "K" comes from the German word "koagulation." The coagulation properties afforded by this vitamin...
Water soluble vitamin C is essential for a healthy body. When the body gets more vitamin C than it needs, the rest is excreted, so daily consumption is critical to stay healthy. Not only does it serve as an antioxidant and immune system support,...
Bruises can be both unsightly and painful, and you might not know how to treat them. Learn about bruises from a doctor in this video on minor medical concerns.