Putin Spotted With Dark Bruise as Health Woes Mount

Contributor / Getty Images Russian President Vladimir Putin’s health is under fresh scrutiny after Kremlin footage showed a dark mark on his left hand.

The mark was visible as Putin, 73, addressed schoolchildren and students in a video released on Sept.

1 to mark the start of Russia’s school year, known as Knowledge Day.

Putin can be seen partially covering the mark with his right hand while repeatedly gesturing toward the camera, The Moscow Times reported .

The mark was most likely caused by an IV procedure, three doctors told the outlet.

One Moscow emergency room doctor described it as a “three-day hematoma after an injection,” while another doctor said the mark resembled a “sloppy injection.” A hematoma occurs when blood leaks from damaged blood vessels and collects under the skin.

A cardiologist with more than 50 years of experience said doctors typically don’t use the hand for IV injections.

Doctors usually use the inner elbow, where the veins are larger and easier to access.

The cardiologist said doctors may use veins in the hand or wrist when veins around the elbow have been overused or become inflamed from prolonged IV treatment.

The hand or wrist may also be used in emergencies when quick access is needed, particularly if a patient is fully clothed.

The timing of the footage also raised questions.

The mark appeared in Putin’s address to students and in a congratulatory message to miners released two days earlier.

But it was not visible during his Sept.

1 meeting with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev or in footage from his Aug.