President Donald Trump has said he 'needs' to take a full-strength 325mg aspirin every day, acknowledging that it causes bruising on his hands, even though he says his doctors want him on a far smaller dose.

Doctors consulted for this article said a 325mg daily dose can cause visible bruising, particularly in older people. Without access to Mr Trump's medical records, however, they said it is impossible to say whether aspirin alone explains the marks.

Speaking to supporters in Ohio this week, the 80-year-old said: 'I take an aspirin a day. I don't know if it works, but psychologically I need it.' He added that aspirin 'thins the hell out of your blood'.

The remarks come amid renewed scrutiny of his health after photographs showed dark patches on his hands and reports emerged of swelling in his lower legs. The White House has previously attributed the discolouration to vigorous handshakes.

Trump's Own Account of His Aspirin Habit

Mr Trump has said he has taken full-strength aspirin daily for more than 25 years, considerably more than the 81mg dose commonly used to protect the heart.

He said his doctors had told him: 'Sir, you don't need that!' He had asked them to leave him alone, describing himself as 'a little superstitious' about changing his routine and saying the smaller tablet 'doesn't look right'.

At one event he said he took 'the 386', which does not match the 325mg he has given the Wall Street Journal as his regular amount.

Mr Trump has drawn the link to bruising himself. He has previously conceded that the 325mg dose 'causes bruising' and said he keeps make-up to hand to cover marks. After a recent appearance, he told reporters: 'I would say take aspirin if you like your heart, but don't take aspirin if you don't want to have a little bruising. I take the big aspirin.'

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How Aspirin Can Lead To Bruising

Dr Rahul Sharma, additional director of cardiology at CK Birla Hospitals in Jaipur, said a 325mg dose 'can absolutely cause visible bruising'.

Aspirin inhibits platelets, the blood cells that help form clots. That is why it is used to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes, but it also makes bleeding under the skin more likely after minor knocks.

'When platelet function is reduced, even minor trauma can allow blood to leak into surrounding tissues more easily,' Dr Sharma said.

Dr Harsha Moole, an internal medicine physician who has not treated Trump and spoke generally, said most people taking aspirin for heart and stroke protection use 81mg 'because studies show a low dose protects just as well with fewer bleeding side effects'.

'Higher doses, like a full 325mg tablet, carry a higher bleeding and bruising risk,' he said. 'Doctors generally use the lowest dose that protects.'

Age can amplify the effect. Skin thins and blood vessels become more fragile, and many older adults take other medicines that affect clotting, such as other blood thinners, fish oil, ibuprofen or naproxen. 'Older adults on aspirin bruise more easily and bleed more heavily with the same bump,' Dr Moole said.

Bruising alone is 'usually harmless and expected on aspirin', he said. Warning signs include bruises that appear without injury or keep growing, and bleeding that does not stop, such as repeated nosebleeds or blood in urine or stool. These need prompt medical attention.

Dr Sharma cautioned against people self-prescribing long-term aspirin as insurance. Dr Moole said stopping aspirin can swap a small bruising risk for a real risk of heart attack or stroke. 'Never change the aspirin on your own,' he said.

Questions Over Trump's Wider Health Picture

Mr Trump has told the Wall Street Journal he is in 'perfect' or 'exceptional' health and that a CT scan at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center showed 'no abnormalities'. His Navy doctor, Capt Sean Barbabella, has said he is 'perfectly suited' to serve as commander in chief.

The president has dismissed claims that he nods off in meetings, saying he sometimes closes his eyes because it is 'relaxing'.

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