This is typically due to being active, playing sports, or moving quickly. Accessed March 14, 2022. Easy bruising may be a sign of alcohol abuse, vitamin deficiency, bleeding disorders and other conditions. Bruising is very common. Anytime you experience a minor injury or accident that damages the skin, it affects the blood vessels below the surface of your skin. This usually causes a bruise. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. In cases of severe impact or trauma, bruising is often unavoidable and is more extensive. Clopidogrel (Plavix) is commonly used in patients with ischemic heart disease. Also, tell your provider about any supplements you're taking especially if you're taking them while on a blood-thinning drug. Should You Be Using Vitamin D Skin-Care Products? Accessed March 14, 2022. In addition, AIcohoI can damage the bone marrow (which is responsible for manufacturing blood cells and platelets). Mayo Clinic Minute: Is tinnitus causing that ringing in your ear? We avoid using tertiary references. Wear protective gear when youre exercising. Your bodys blood cells repair damaged blood vessels to help you heal. But if you notice that youre bruising more easily than usual, or the bruises are larger and are accompanied by other symptoms, its best to follow up with a healthcare professional. These bruises last long and even grow in size. This causes blood to seep out of your blood vessel and pool underneath your skin, as there isnt an opening (wound) for your blood to get out of your body. "If your symptoms arise out of the blue, as in you never had issues before and then suddenly you start bleeding easily, it's important to seek medical attention," she explains. Bruises look like a mark on your skin thats black and blue or red to purple. Here's a list of seven symptoms that call for attention. Skin discoloration (red to purple, black, brown or yellow). 7th ed. High-dose flu vaccines: How are they different from other flu vaccines? Treating pain with hot and cold can be extremely effective for a number of different conditions and injuries. Bruises usually arent a cause for concern. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with Achenbach syndrome is a rare and benign condition wherein sudden bruising appears on one or more of the fingers. Causes Non-Hodgkins lymphoma is a cancer that starts in lymphocyte cells, which are part of the immune system. Kidney disease can affect your platelets, also leading to clotting problems, and therefore more frequent bruising. If you also feel tired, achy, and weak all the time, or lose weight without trying to, give your doctor a call. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. In: Goldman-Cecil Medicine. It is rare in adults, generally occurring in the neonatal period. Genetic tendency Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Wong C-Z, et al. causes Taking certain medications and growing older are often at the root of the problem. Have your vision and hearing tested. Frequent bruising may also be a sign of In this article well take a closer look at what can cause you to bruise easily and when its important to see your doctor. Easy Bruising - Symptoms, Causes, Treatments - Healthgrades Elevation (raise your arms or legs above your heart). Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 01/26/2023. Muscle contusion (bruise). Unexplained Bruising: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention On rare occasions, you can also get a bruise from your immune system attacking blood vessels and if your blood vessel is too fragile, it can be extra prone to leaking blood, says Dr. Elliott. (2017). Signs and symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Never stop taking any medications on your own. You should see your healthcare provider if you seem to bruise easily or have unexplained bruising. (2009). That's because over time, the sun slowly weakens your skin and the tiny blood vessels underneath it. Healthcare professionals are required by law to ask you questions to make sure youre safe in your domestic situation. Are you doing everything you can to stay healthy? Clinical evaluation of bleeding and bruising in primary care. Bruising easily can have a wide range of possible underlying causes, including blood-clotting problems or a blood disease. But it could also be a harmless condition. The best course of action is to see your doctor and have your situation evaluated. William Nichols, M.D., Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. #bruising. (n.d.). An infection that causes the buildup of toxin in the blood or tissues ( sepsis ). As people get older, the skin becomes thinner and loses some of the protective fatty layer that helps cushion blood vessels from injury. Here are 10 easy treatments to lessen the pain and reduce the visibility. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/hematology-and-oncology/bleeding-due-to-abnormal-blood-vessels/senile-purpura. Generally, harder blows cause larger bruises. If you experience increased bruising, don't stop taking your medications. Most bruises are nothing to worry about and will heal within a couple of weeks. While they can lower the chances of blood clots, that also means your body is slower to stop a bleed. The most common cause is aging or the side effect of medications such You should also consider a history of trauma or vigorous sports or playing. Without enough platelets, your blood clots more slowly than normal. causes Side effects: Anticoagulant medicines. The most common symptom of non-Hodgkin lymphoma is painless swelling in the lymph nodes, which are located in the neck, groin, and armpit. Sporadic bruising usually isnt cause for worry. If youre bleeding more than normal for some reason, the blood will pool under your skin and cause a bruise. Bruises that take longer than usual to disappear are another concern. When you bump against an object, your body normally responds by forming clots to stop the bleeding, which prevents bruising. Confronting abusive injuries in dermatology: Ethical and legal considerations. No matter how careful you are, you'll probably still get them from time to time. The majority of cases will resolve spontaneously without a need for treatment. You may bruise more easily while taking certain medications, including blood thinners or steroids. Cushing syndrome causes the skin to thin, resulting in easy bruising. Here are five causes of bruising easily, anemia included. Clinical approach to the patient with bleeding or bruising. The most common cause is aging or the side effect of medications such as blood thinners or chemotherapy. Arrange furniture and electrical cords so that they're not in your way when you walk. General Practice 11 years experience. Corticosteroids are one of the first options, with a response rate of 60% within two weeks of treatment. However, if the discoloration does not heal within a few weeks, it is worth talking to a doctor. In: Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. If you suddenly get easy bruising, review any recent medications and even the list of your chronic medication. Kraut EH. Easy bruising sometimes indicates a serious underlying condition, such as a blood-clotting problem or a blood disease. Always mention any unusual bruising during pregnancy to a doctor or midwife. Some conditions can make it harder for your blood to clot. Skin care and aging. Hemophilia A is a genetic condition that affects the bloods ability to clot. That will make you feel better and keep the bruise from getting bigger. Easy bruising sometimes indicates a serious underlying condition, such as a blood-clotting problem or a blood disease. But if you often drink a lot of alcohol and you tend to bruise easily, it may mean you've got liver problems. Next, read what you need to know about bruising easily (anemia isn't always the answer, BTW). Turning on a light or flashlight when walking through poorly lit areas. Poor people (lack of fruits and vegetables in the diet). There are several types of bleeding that cause skin discoloration, including: Bruises are very common and will affect everyone at some point in their life. Platelets stop bleeding within your body to heal your bruise. This accounts for around 75% of all cases of thrombocytopenia in pregnancy. (2009). Complete blood count shows low platelet count (less than 150,000/CC); it is usually less than 40,000/CC. Corticosteroids (affect collagen fibers in the wall of the blood vessels). This bleeding disorder is caused by a low platelet count. Problems with two major organs your liver and kidneys can cause blood abnormalities. Watch where youre walking. Individuals with sepsis often get a rash with tiny blood spots on their skin. Your blood cells (platelets) are your bodys plumbers to repair the leak in your blood vessels. Your body quickly tries to repair the damage, and if it's not fast enough, you'll get a bruise. Experiencing a low blood platelet count (. For example, cirrhosis is the result of continuous long-term damage, and bruising easily is a symptom. (2016). Factor X deficiency is a condition where there isn't enough of the protein factor X in the blood, leading to uncontrolled bleeding. However, it should not appear in isolation and may appear alongside fatigue, appetite loss, abdominal pain, and nausea. WebSome people have sudden unexplained bruising or blood spots under the skin, or they may suddenly get bruises more often. You don't recall bumping into anything, but lately you seem to be bruising frequently.