What can excessive bruising and internal bleeding indicate in clients taking anticoagulants?

Excessive bruising and internal bleeding in clients taking anticoagulants can indicate thinning of the blood, a direct result of the medication’s action. Anticoagulants, commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots, work by interfering with the blood's natural clotting process. This thinning effect can lead to a reduced ability of the blood to clot, which means that even minor injuries may result in significant bleeding and easy bruising.

When a client is on anticoagulant therapy, their body’s hemostatic (clotting) mechanism is altered, making it crucial for practitioners to monitor for signs of excessive bleeding. This knowledge enables estheticians and other beauty therapists to take appropriate precautions or refer the client for further medical evaluation if necessary, ensuring the safety and well-being of the client during treatments. Recognizing the implications of such symptoms in the context of anticoagulant use highlights the importance of understanding the health background of clients for effective and safe service delivery.