Six cases of deep dissecting hematoma caused by dermatoporosis

We report six cases of deep dissecting hematoma. All patients were female with clinical manifestations of dermatoporosis in the extremities. Their mean age was 81. 8 years and two of the patients with long-term systemic corticosteroid therapy were younger than the others. Three patients were prescribed anticoagulant. Deep dissecting hematomas developed at the posterior lower extremities in all cases, with chief complaints of redness and swelling. Deep dissecting hematoma is frequently misdiagnosed as phlegmone because of the similarity of their symptoms. Surgical debridement and skin grafting were chosen in one case, while two cases were treated with negative-pressure wound therapy. Complete healing took one to six months. Physicians should be aware that dermatoporosis is a critical factor predisposing patients to deep dissecting hematoma. Minor trauma may induce extensive bleeding. Preventive measures such as the use of skin-protective clothing are mandatory, especially on the lower extremities of elderly patients.