When to worry about easy bruising if you have leukaemia

Leukaemia can affect the bone marrow, where blood cells are made. A reduced platelet count may make small blood vessels leak more easily, causing purple, red, or brown marks after minor knocks or sometimes without a remembered injury. Anaemia can add tiredness or breathlessness, while changes in white blood cells may be linked with fever or repeated infections. Bruising alone does not identify its cause, so a clinician may review medicines, examine your skin, and arrange blood tests.

Record when new bruises appear, where they are, whether they are growing, and any nosebleeds, gum bleeding, or heavier-than-usual menstrual bleeding. Protect your skin from knocks and use gentle pressure for minor bleeding. Do not stop prescribed medicines without advice; tell your haematology team about blood thinners, aspirin, supplements, or new pain medicines. Keep appointments for blood-count monitoring, because platelet levels can change even when you feel well.

Contact your haematology team promptly for a sudden increase in bruising, pinpoint red spots, bleeding that does not settle with pressure, blood in urine or stool, vomiting blood, severe headache, confusion, chest pain, or difficulty breathing. A fever during leukaemia treatment also needs urgent advice because infection can become serious quickly. Use emergency services for heavy uncontrolled bleeding, collapse, or new neurological symptoms.

Ask what your latest platelet and other blood-count results mean, whether a medicine could be contributing, and which symptoms should trigger a same-day call. Ask how to manage cuts, dental care, exercise, and fever safely during treatment. Clarify whom to contact outside clinic hours and whether bruising should be photographed or logged.