What does easy bruising feel like with acute myeloid leukaemia?

A bruise can begin as a tender, discoloured patch and change colour as it fades. With acute myeloid leukaemia, reduced healthy blood-cell production can affect clotting and may be accompanied by pinpoint red or purple spots, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, unusual tiredness, fever, or repeated infections. These features have other possible causes, so bruising alone cannot identify the reason.

Arrange prompt medical assessment for new or unexplained bruising, especially when it is accompanied by bleeding, marked fatigue, fever, or frequent infections. A clinician may ask about medicines, examine your skin, and arrange blood tests. Avoid activities likely to cause injury and do not stop prescribed medicines without medical advice.

Seek urgent help for bleeding that does not stop with firm pressure, vomiting or coughing blood, black stools, severe headache, confusion, weakness, breathlessness, or a high fever with severe illness. Sudden neurological symptoms or heavy bleeding require emergency care.

Could my medicines or another blood condition explain the bruising? Which blood tests are needed? What should I do if I develop a nosebleed, fever, or new bleeding before my results are available?