Former President Donald Trump recently caused concern about his health when a noticeable mark appeared on the back of his hand.
At first, many people thought it was just a bruise, but doctors later said he has a condition called chronic venous insufficiency. This happens when the veins have trouble sending blood back to the heart, which can sometimes look like bruising.
Doctors explain that while most bruises are harmless and caused by bumps or injuries, some marks on the skin can be signs of more serious problems. For example, blood clots or vein problems can look similar to bruises but may need immediate medical care.
A normal bruise usually changes color over time—starting red or purple and fading to green, yellow, or brown as it heals. A blood clot, on the other hand, often stays red, swollen, and painful without changing color, and it can appear even if you didn’t hurt yourself.
Vein-related marks, which often happen on the legs, can appear suddenly, may feel tender or swollen, and don’t always come from an injury.
Doctors recommend seeing a specialist if you notice symptoms like constant swelling, warmth in one area, unusual tenderness, a mark that doesn’t fade, or a firm lump under the skin. These signs could mean something more serious than a simple bruise.
This matters because blood clots are common and dangerous. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says hundreds of thousands of people get blood clots every year, and many die from complications like pulmonary embolisms.
Sometimes people mistake these clots for harmless bruises, and delaying treatment can be life-threatening.
In Trump’s case, what people thought was a bruise may actually be related to a vein condition, which is more common than most realize.
Doctors stress that anyone—whether a president or an ordinary person—can develop this problem. If you’re unsure about a mark on your skin, it’s safer to get it checked early by a vein specialist. Early diagnosis and treatment can save lives.
