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DR HILARY'S DIAGNOSIS

A bruise happens when injury causes blood vessels to leak blood into the soft tissue under the skin.

Because slim people like Zöe have less padding around their vessels, they’re more likely to bruise easily.

But it is possible Zöe has clotting factor deficiency (CFD), which means the blood is low in platelets or the proteins that stop bleeding.

CFD can be genetic or caused by viral infections, bone marrow disorders and, rarely, conditions such as leukaemia.

I would recommend Zöe has a blood test to rule out anything serious but as she’s not feeling unwell, it’s more likely she’s what doctors call ‘a little bleeder’ – someone whose blood doesn’t clot quickly.

It’s nothing to worry about, but if she ever needs an operation, she should let the surgeon know.

'I'm always covered in bruises'

EVERY WEEK A CELEB ASKS OUR FABULOUS DOCTOR FOR A DIAGNOSIS. THIS WEEK IT'S BLUE PETER'S ZÖE SALMON, 28

I’ve never been accident-prone, but for the past few years I seem to be constantly covered in bruises.

I only have to take a slight knock, and angry purple marks come up on my skin.

I do lots of crazy challenges on Blue Peter – it’s the nature of the job – but I always end up with bruises on my arms, legs and body, so I look like I’ve done 10 rounds with Ricky Hatton!

In March, I climbed the four highest peaks in the UK as part of a Sport Relief challenge with my two co-presenters, Gethin Jones and Andy Akinwolere.

On the way down one of the mountains, my ankle gave way and I fell awkwardly on my left knee.

The bruise was massive and it’s still black now, three months later.

The swelling hasn’t gone down either, and it’s very painful to touch.

I still have a yellow bruise on my left leg from bumping into the corner of my bed – but that was four years ago!

I can’t understand why my bruises take so long to fade.

When I wear a dress, I feel so self-conscious I apply bronzer or concealer to hide my bruises.

I’m naturally slim and don’t have much body fat on my arms or legs.

Is this why I bruise so easily, or is it something more sinister?

Catch Zöe’s last ever episode of Blue Peter this Wednesday, 4.35pm, BBC1.

Words: Olivia Buxton. Photography: PA