7. Bruising
Bruises are generally formed when the blood vessels that lie under the skin rupture, most often due to a blow or fall. Blood seeps out into the surrounding tissues and causes the characteristic bluish-black color. As bruises heal, typically within 2 to 4 weeks, they change color from purplish black to reddish-blue to yellowish-green.
The vast majority of bruises do not represent a medical concern as they disappear on their own without the need for treatment. However, some bruises which appear to be unrelated to any physical trauma or are larger than normal can, in fact, be considered a sign of latent HIV infection.
HIV related bruising is thought to be the result of a diminishing platelet count which invariably reduces the body’s clotting capacity.
