Broken blood vessels cause bruises to form on your skin. The Health Benefits of Lemons Are Far from Sour, The Causes of Cherry Angiomas and How to Get Rid of the 'Red Freckles', What the Color of Your Poop Can Tell You About Your Diet and Health, Everything You Need to Know About Lumify Eye Drops, Benefits of Iron and Iron-Rich Foods to Add to Your Diet, Everything You Should Know About Gestational Diabetes. Last medically reviewed on June 29, 2020, A bruise usually results from a blow to the body. People who have hemophilia B are missing a clotting factor called factor IX. 5 Causes. People who take blood thinners bruise more easily. If you havent already received a diabetes diagnosis, look for other symptoms such as: See a doctor or other healthcare provider if youre experiencing one or more of these symptoms alongside bruising. Bleeding and bruising (thrombocytopenia) and cancer treatment. You may also be able to prevent getting bruised by taking the following steps: Call your doctor if youre bruising more frequently than usual and if bruising is accompanied by bleeding from anywhere else. These Okra Health Benefits Will Make You Rethink This Summer Veggie. (2017). Experiencing a low blood platelet count (. Easy bruising is common with age. What causes me to bruise easily all of a sudden? People who have this condition have joints that move far beyond the typical range of motion and stretchy skin. Benabio J. They may prescribe iron tablets or other medication as well as help you modify your diet to meet your nutritional needs. Problems with two major organs your liver and kidneys can cause blood abnormalities. White, G. (2008). (2018). If you suddenly get easy bruising, review any recent medications and even the list of your chronic medication. However, It is not a serious disease, and the incidence of complications is rare. They create and support wound healing. And other tests such as platelet coombs test, anti-platelet antibodies, etc. This allows enough blood to leak out under the skin to cause a bruise. If you're unsure as to whether you have any of the above issues, but you still wake up with bruises a lot, consider where you see the marks. Although random or sudden bruising does not necessarily mean that a person has a medical condition, it may still be worth discussing with a doctor. DOI: 10.1136/bcr.08.2008.0750. In this article well take a closer look at what can cause you to bruise easily and when its important to see your doctor. Most of us get bruises from bumping into objects from time to time. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. "The more physically active you are, the more likely you are to bruise or bleed," says Dr. Elliott. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Learn more about what the colors of a bruise mean here. Elsevier; 2018. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Talk to your health care provider about your concerns. Make your tax-deductible gift and be a part of the cutting-edge research and care that's changing medicine. Clinical evaluation of bleeding and bruising in primary care. Thrombophilia typically has no symptoms until a blood clot develops. Theyll want to rule out certain conditions that may require treatment. You probably know throwing back shots or chugging beers on the regular can damage your liver. Bruises and blood spots under the skin. This bleeding disorder is caused by a low platelet count. Other leukemia symptoms include fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath, and loss of appetite (7), (8). Bruises change color as they heal and most dont need treatment. WebSudden unexplained bruising or blood spots under the skin or a sudden increase in the frequency of bruising may be caused by: A medicine, such as aspirin or blood thinners ( anticoagulants ). Cases that dont respond may require other treatments such as immunosuppressive medications, IV IgG, platelet transfusion, etc. They aid in the formation of red blood cells, help maintain mineral levels, and lower your cholesterol. When they're not strong enough to hold red blood cells, the blood leaks out under the skin, explains Neha Vyas, M.D., a family medicine physician at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. This can cause blood vessels to burst and leak blood into the surrounding area. American Cancer Society: "Signs and Symptoms of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. Shmerling, R. H. (2018). Fatigue. They may appear red or purplish at first. Easy bruising sometimes indicates a serious underlying condition, such as a blood-clotting problem or a blood disease. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Why do women bruise more easily than men? 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. Without enough platelets, your blood clots more slowly than normal. (n.d.). Raise the area where you're injured and put ice on it. Symptoms of an Achilles tendon rupture are hard to ignore. How to Treat a Skin Tear There are three main goals of treatment: to prevent infection, protect the surrounding skin and tissues, and keep the area moist to support You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on 2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK. Clinical approach to the patient with bleeding or bruising. Therefore, you're more prone to frequent bruising, says Dr. Elliott. Learn more. Anticoagulants (blood thinners) and over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications like aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil), and naproxen (Aleve) affect your bloods ability to clot. Vitamin C is found in: Profund vitamin C deficiency results in a condition called (scurvy), which is rare nowadays. Scurvy leads to poor wound healing, bleeding gums, and sudden onset of easy bruising. (n.d.). Symptoms of a bruise include: Bruises are sometimes called black-and-blue marks. Most bruises eventually disappear as the body reabsorbs the blood, although healing might take longer as you age. You should see your healthcare provider if you seem to bruise easily or have unexplained bruising. ), but when you spot bruises on your abdomen, back, or face with no known trauma to those areas, it could signal an underlying condition, says Dr. Elliott. UW Health. Learn, If left untreated, a blood clot can reach your organs and cause potentially life threatening conditions, such as pulmonary embolism, stroke, or a. But if you often drink a lot of alcohol and you tend to bruise easily, it may mean you've got liver problems. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Bruises usually arent a cause for concern. Here are 8 possible reasons you bruise so easily. Here are five causes of bruising easily, anemia included. (. But sometimes your blood isnt able to form clots as it should. Healthy Mocktail Recipes So Good You Won't Even Miss the Alcohol, The 5 Exercises Most Likely to Cause Injury, When You Should See a Doctor About Bruising Easily, 7 Fingernail Abnormalities That May Signal a Health Issue, These Spirulina Benefits Will Make a Splash, What It Means If You Have Peeling Nails (Plus, How to Fix Them), Dry Lips Causes and Treatments, According to a Doctor. Side effects: Anticoagulant medicines. For example, cirrhosis is the result of continuous long-term damage, and bruising easily is a symptom. See your health care provider if you: Another serious cause of bruising is domestic violence or abuse. Its also important to be aware that unexplained bruising may be a sign of domestic violence or assault. What deficiency can cause bruising? Factor V deficiency is a rare bleeding disorder wherein people lack the protein coagulation factor V. This prevents the blood from clotting. This is because it may be the cause of such a condition. Hemophilia A is a genetic condition that affects the bloods ability to clot. Vitamin C: Fact sheet for consumers. Mayo Clinic Staff. They can vary in color, and skin color may affect the appearance of a bruise. What steps can I take to lower my risk of bruising? If you often find yourself wondering why you're bruising easily, you suspect you might have any of the above conditions, or you check off any of the risk factors, talk to your doctor, says Dr. Vyas. The discolorations can be caused by rare bleeding disorders or other rare medical conditions. Totally normal. Your body quickly tries to repair the damage, and if it's not fast enough, you'll get a bruise. Finally, if you're experiencing other problems, too, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, blood in your poop, bleeding gums, bloody noses, new headaches, weight loss, or fatigue, it's definitely time to book that appointment, says Dr. Elliott. Call your doctor to get a diagnosis if you think ITP is the cause of sudden easy bruising. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. (2012). Even small changes in sight or hearing can cause you to fall. These blood vessels leak into surrounding tissues. Moving furniture away from doorways and walkways to avoid bumping into hard surfaces. Diabetes is a metabolic condition that affects your bodys ability to produce or use insulin. Achenbach syndrome, also known as paroxysmal finger hematoma and blue finger, causes spontaneous bruising on one or more of the fingers. For example, cirrhosis is the result of continuous long-term damage, and bruising easily is a symptom. Should I look out for signs of complications? You may also notice it takes a long time for cuts or scrapes to get better. 2 doctor answers 9 doctors weighed in. Read on to learn more about common causes, what to watch for, and when to see a doctor. See additional information. Immune-mediated disease leads to low platelet count. (2015). (n.d.). This morning on Sky's Sophy Ridge on Sunday, nurses union leader Pat Cullen attacked the government over its failure to give RCN members a decent pay rise An increase in bruising can be a side effect of some medications, especially blood thinners, NSAIDS, and steroids. Thornburg CD, et al. This can cause your platelet count to drop, which will impact your bloods ability to clot and lead to easy bruising and bleeding. A migraine classically causes throbbing, pounding pain that lasts for hours sometimes even days on one side of the head. As you age, your skin gets thinner and loses the protective layer of fat that acts as a cushion when you bump into something. This condition occurs when your body makes too much or too little clotting chemicals. Plus, if you play any contact sports, your risk goes up even further. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Commonly used dietary supplements on coagulation function during surgery. Learn more about these serious fractures, how theyre treated, and what to expect. Also known as blood poisoning, sepsis requires immediate emergency treatment. uwhealth.org/healthfacts/cardiology/6404.html, academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/article/70/2/107/1896192, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4777343/, Everything to Know About a Bruise That Wont Go Away, Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment, Is the COVID-19 Vaccine Linked to Tinnitus? Children are often more prone to bruising than the average adult. (2018). All rights reserved. In rare cases, one of the following conditions may cause random bruising. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? (2016). Most often, a ruptured spleen is caused by blunt force trauma. There are several nutrient deficiencies associated with easy or random bruising, including: Vitamin C: Vitamin C is important for However, not all bruising has a simple explanation. Some medical conditions that can cause easy bruising include: While the occasional bruise isnt a cause for concern, easy bruising could be. They may also order blood tests to measure your platelet levels and the time it takes your blood to clot. Aside from a physical exam to look at any bruises, your healthcare provider will likely ask you questions about your family medical history. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. It may also result from pricking the skin to test your blood sugar or injecting insulin. Most bruises are nothing to worry about and will heal within a couple of weeks. That doesn't mean you should stop moving; just stay safe in the weight room or on the field by paying attention to your surroundings and your movements, going slower if you need to, and staying extra focused when you're running on the road. People who have cancer often experience excessive bleeding and bruising. (2017). The following are some possible causes of random bruising. You're most likely to see them on the backs of your hands and arms. Bruises can occur from a fall, accident, sports injury or medical procedure. It causes suppression of the bone marrow. It's rare to have extremely low levels of vitamin C, but it's more likely to happen if you're older or you smoke. To find the cause of your bruising, your health care provider will likely do a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms and medical history. That will make you feel better and keep the bruise from getting bigger. Neutze, D, et al. Nosebleeds without a known cause. If youve recently overdone it at the gym, you may develop bruises around the affected muscles. This accounts for around 75% of all cases of thrombocytopenia in pregnancy. Selective Serotonin Reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine (Prozac), Citalopram (Cipramil), and others. Symptoms can occur at any age, but most severe cases tend to occur during childhood. Mayo Clinic Minute: Why vaccines are especially important for older people. Some people (it's usually women) just have more fragile blood vessels, and that makes them more likely to bruise, especially on their upper arms, thighs, or butt. If you, your mom, and your sister all turn black and blue from the tiniest bump, it may be a family thing. 1. Certain health conditions (or the meds you take for those conditions) could also lead to coagulation problems basically, your body can't turn the blood from a liquid to a solid fast enough to stop you from bleeding. This is because they lower the amount of platelets in the blood. Experts say prevention programs are needed. If you notice this happening, don't stop taking your medication, but do talk to your doctor about it. If you have symptoms of kidney 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. The formation of blood clots relies on good nutrition, a healthy liver, and healthy bone marrow. Other medications that may cause sudden bruising include: Any recent drug before the onset of sudden bruising should be reported to your doctor. For example, a person should see a doctor if: Occasional bruising is rarely a cause for concern. 7th ed. If youre undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatments, you may have low blood platelet counts (thrombocytopenia). A ruptured Achilles tendon is not uncommon for athletes and can cause a great deal of pain. Get your vision tested to make sure you can see clearly enough to avoid any obstacles that could injure you. Platelets are responsible for the prevention and stoppage of any future bleeding. include protected health information. Dr. Allison Greco answered. One method is to take extra care as you age. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Know the symptoms and what to do if you experience them. An extra-hard workout can sometimes cause bruises. Sudden onset of easy bruising is more common with the adult type (on minor trauma or spontaneously). Skin care and aging. Blood diseases like aplastic anemia, white blood cell cancer, hemophilia, Von Wideband disease may cause easy bruising and prolonged bleeding. General Practice 11 years experience. Stanger M, et al. Learn more about bruises on dark skin here. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Here are some key factors in random bruising: Unexplained bruising is very common and heals relatively quickly. Bruising is common. But if you still find unusual bruises after switching up your diet or cutting back on OTC pain relievers, it may be time to consult a doctor. Put simply, a bruise is a collection of blood underneath the skin, says Tania Elliott, M.D., a clinical instructor of medicine at NYU Langone Health. You should also consider a history of trauma or vigorous sports or playing. In cases of severe impact or trauma, bruising is often unavoidable and is more extensive. Thrombophilia means that your blood has an increased tendency to clot. Learn about how to get. Your provider might also check your blood platelet levels or do tests that measure the time it takes your blood to clot. This occurs in 4.4% to 11.6% of pregnancies. (. Some deficiencies include vitamin C deficiency and vitamin K deficiency. Why Do I Get Headache When it Rains? (2011). Accessed March 14, 2022. Another indication of possible leukemia is lots of bruises with no indication as to a cause. The liver makes proteins that the blood needs for clotting, so if it's not doing its job, you may bleed or bruise more easily. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a group of inherited conditions that affect the connective tissues. Most bruises fade away within two weeks without treatment. Easy bruising can cause large bruises in multiple areas of the body, often at the same time.

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