Certain health conditions, medications, and even inherited disorders can cause random bruising. An increase in bruising can be a side effect of some medications, especially blood thinners, NSAIDS, and steroids. As you age, your skin gets thinner and loses the protective layer of fat that acts as a cushion when you bump into something. Vora, A., & Makris, M. (2001). Tell your health care provider or pharmacist if a medication makes you dizzy or sleepy. Avoid clutter and throw rugs, especially on stairs. You may bruise more easily while taking certain medications, including blood thinners or steroids. UW Health. Your liver is super important for producing the molecules that lead to blood clotting, which means it's also crucial for preventing bruises, explains Dr. Elliott. Bleeding into the skin may cause only discoloration, or the spot may be swollen and tender to the touch. Bruises on the torso, back, or face could especially be a concern. This may be caused by: A medicine, such as aspirin or blood thinners ( anticoagulants ). They may appear red or purplish at first. Sporadic bruising usually isnt cause for worry. Never stop taking any medications on your own. ", University of Maryland Medical Center: "Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid).". (. Bruises happen when an injury causes blood to leak into the skin. Taking certain medications and growing older are often at the root of the problem. If you arent getting enough vitamin C, your skin may begin to bruise easily, resulting in random bruising. Gurnee EA, et al. Is Bruising Easily Normal or Does It Signal a Bigger, Underlying Excess iron inside the body (as with hemolytic anemias). Skin discoloration (red to purple, black, brown or yellow). Review/update the Your blood cells (platelets) are your bodys plumbers to repair the leak in your blood vessels. 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event, (https://www.aafp.org/afp/2016/0215/p279-s1.html), (https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/black-eye), (https://www.aocd.org/page/BruisingHandsAndArms), (https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/blood-disorders/blood-clotting-process/bruising-and-bleeding), (https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003235.htm), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Should I look out for signs of complications? Most bruises fade away within two weeks without treatment. Cines, D. B., & Levine, L. D. (2017). Family Medicine 39 years experience. Randomly bruising easily? They create and support wound healing. However, taking anticoagulants and antibiotics that interfere with vitamin K production may cause deficiencies. (2018). 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. Some people especially women are more prone to bruising than others. 5 Causes of Bruising Easily All of a Sudden (In-depth) ", Merck Manual: "Bruising and Bleeding," "Purpura Simplex. Two distinct types of ITP present (reference): Chronic ITP may pass through periods of remission and relapse for years. Previous history of recent drug use or viral infection before the onset of bruising. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on Broken blood vessels on the face can happen to anyone at any age. The most common causes of bruising easily all of a sudden are low platelet (such as immune thrombocytopenia), blood-thining medications, and vitamin Causes Read on to learn more about common causes, what to watch for, and when to see a doctor. It's totally normal to knock into something without remembering the impact again, trauma is the most common cause of a bruise but think about how often it's happening to you or how severe the bruises look. Last medically reviewed on December 7, 2021. Intense exercise can leave you with more than just sore muscles. You can apply heat several times throughout the day. Aside from a physical exam to look at any bruises, your healthcare provider will likely ask you questions about your family medical history. Blood in your urine or stool. You don't recall bumping into anything, but lately you seem to be bruising frequently. Cushing syndrome develops when you have too much cortisol in your blood. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Heart-healthy diet: 8 steps to prevent heart disease. Oftentimes, you can reduce your risk for future bruising by making sure youre getting the right nutrients in your diet. If youre undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatments, you may have low blood platelet counts (thrombocytopenia). information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Individuals with sepsis often get a rash with tiny blood spots on their skin. There may be a blood clotting issue or another underlying condition that needs treatment. Erickson, F. (2014). You should see your healthcare provider if you seem to bruise easily or have unexplained bruising. am I bruising so easily all of a sudden This occurs in 4.4% to 11.6% of pregnancies. Accessed March 14, 2022. National Institute on Aging. (n.d.). To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which 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. People who have cancer often experience excessive bleeding and bruising. Vitamin C, for example, supports your immune system and aids in wound healing. Are you doing everything you can to stay healthy? When the liver is damaged, it stops producing the proteins required for blood clotting. In addition, AIcohoI can damage the bone marrow (which is responsible for manufacturing blood cells and platelets). Broken blood vessels cause bruises to form on your skin. Easy Bruising - Symptoms, Causes, Treatments - Healthgrades These tests include: Most bruises fade away and dont need treatment. Ecchymosis is the medical term for bruises. Common Causes of Unexplained Bruising | Buoy General Practice 11 years experience. ", National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: "Cirrhosis. This bleeding disorder is caused by a low platelet count. Bruising is more common among older adults. "[Capillaries] can be weak because there's not enough protein to hold them in place or because of problems in the layers of the vessels," she says. This will allow him/her to examine you, ask specific questions. 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. Mayo Clinic Minute: Why vaccines are especially important for older people. Other leukemia symptoms include fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath, and loss of appetite (7), (8). Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you develop a blood clot, your doctor will probably test you for thrombophilia and may put you on blood thinners (anticoagulants). This bleeding disorder is a lifelong condition. It may also be an indication of a vitamin deficiency, or a deficiency in the compounds needed for blood clotting. The pooling of blood causes a visible sign of a bruise on your skin (skin discoloration). Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Therefore, you're more prone to frequent bruising, says Dr. Elliott. Most often, a ruptured spleen is caused by blunt force trauma. We avoid using tertiary references. Most bruises aren't much more than a nuisance, but if it's very painful, or if you've had it for 2 weeks and it doesn't show signs of getting better, call your doctor. Learn more about bruises on dark skin here. 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. Use for informational purposes only. Learn more about these serious fractures, how theyre treated, and what to expect. These are rare, but they can be life-threatening if you don't treat them. This article will expand on factors in and causes of random bruising and accompanying symptoms. Diabetes is a metabolic condition that affects your bodys ability to produce or use insulin. Also, tell your provider about any supplements you're taking especially if you're taking them while on a blood-thinning drug. Easy bruising sometimes indicates a serious underlying condition, such as a blood-clotting problem or a blood disease. Applying ice soon after an injury can minimize bruising. See your health care provider if you: Another serious cause of bruising is domestic violence or abuse. 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. All rights reserved. Let's look at symptoms and treatments. Bruises look like a mark on your skin thats black and blue or red to purple. Anyone who suspects liver or kidney disease should consult a doctor. If you're having nosebleeds for no reason, if your gums bleed a lot after you brush or floss, or if small cuts or scrapes seem to bleed heavily, call your doctor. Also, if you're short on iron (or specifically have iron-deficiency anemia, a condition in which your body is short on red blood cells), you might notice more marks on the skin, says Dr. Vyas. The discolorations can be caused by rare bleeding disorders or other rare medical conditions. Bruises and Blood Spots Under the Skin Learn more about what the colors of a bruise mean here. Bone marrow sample (using a specialized syringe to draw a sample from your hip bone or the sternum). Yet another tender bruise. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. causes One you've probably heard of is hemophilia. Safe outdoor activities during the COVID-19 pandemic, Have frequent, large bruises, especially if your bruises appear on your trunk, back or face or seem to develop for no known reasons, Have easy bruising and a history of excessive or prolonged bleeding, such as after a minor cut or during a surgical procedure, Suddenly begin bruising, especially if you recently started a new medication, Have a family history of easy bruising or bleeding, Low levels of the blood components that help blood clot after injury (platelets), Problems with proteins that help the blood clot. Bruises develop when capillaries burst after an impact, while blood clots occur when an injury damages blood vessels. Goldman L, et al., eds. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/hematology-and-oncology/bleeding-due-to-abnormal-blood-vessels/senile-purpura. Talk to your health care provider about your concerns. One method is to take extra care as you age. But sometimes your blood isnt able to form clots as it should. Ecchymosis (bruising) is a common condition that affects everyone at some point. More indirectly, meds such as antibiotics can lead to low platelet counts, which then means you don't have enough of the cells necessary to help with blood clotting and stopping a bleed. Bruises in Children: Whats Normal and https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/fall-proofing-your-home. Other possible causes of bruising include: WebBruises range in size, shape and color depending on the type of bruise, cause and location. Without enough platelets, your blood clots more slowly than normal. Most bruises are harmless and go away without treatment. They may prescribe iron tablets or other medication as well as help you modify your diet to meet your nutritional needs. Most cases of random bruising are nothing to worry about. include protected health information. Pain, swelling or tightness in your joints. If you notice more frequent bruising, its important to talk with your healthcare professional so they can work with you to determine the cause. 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. An extra-hard workout can sometimes cause bruises. Medicines, herbs, and vitamins which affect bleeding. Excess AIcohoI intake is a common cause of bruising. Get your vision tested to make sure you can see clearly enough to avoid any obstacles that could injure you. Getting the right nutrients may also help protect against easy bruising. Other causes can include vitamin deficiencies, a low platelet count, and some chronic conditions. 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. Cushing syndrome causes the skin to thin, resulting in easy bruising. People older than 65 years are more likely to bruise, along with women and people assigned female at birth. An injury or physical trauma to your body. If youve recently overdone it at the gym, you may develop bruises around the affected muscles. They can work with you to modify your treatment plan. Here's what might be causing them and how theyre treated. Totally normal. Why do I bruise more easily as I age? Poor people (lack of fruits and vegetables in the diet). Random bruising: Is it serious? Causes, treatment, and Sudden onset of easy bruising is more common with the adult type (on minor trauma or spontaneously). Are you taking too much anti-inflammatory medication? A ruptured Achilles tendon is not uncommon for athletes and can cause a great deal of pain. Blood-thinning medications are important because they can help decrease the chances of developing a blood clot in the heart or elsewhere in the body those with heart conditions or who previously had a stroke likely need them to avoid a serious setback but they also make you more prone to bruising, explains Dr. Elliott. Medications that are known to reduce your bloods ability to clot include the following: If you notice that you have increased bruising, do not stop taking your medications. Accessed March 14, 2022. Other symptoms of iron deficiency include: Although rare in healthy adults, vitamin K deficiencies can slow the rate at which blood clots. (2016). However, if a person experiences other symptoms alongside random bruising, further investigation may be necessary. Other symptoms of a vitamin C deficiency include: You may begin to bruise easily if you arent getting enough iron. If diabetes has already been diagnosed, your bruising may simply be a result of slow wound healing. Make your tax-deductible gift and be a part of the cutting-edge research and care that's changing medicine. Dr. Michael Sparacino answered. Wrap the ice pack in a towel and apply ice for no more than 15 minutes at a time. This may make your skin more susceptible to bruising. 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. They can advise you on any next steps. When this happens, you may notice that you bruise easily. And when you do get to the doc, you should get a full check of your overall health, including family history and health history, and then check your blood work and platelets, recommends Dr. Vyas. Learn about how to get, Bruises arent usually serious, and they typically clear up without treatment. For example, cirrhosis is the result of continuous long-term damage, and bruising easily is a symptom. Some supplements, like fish oil and ginkgo, can do it too. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. Confronting abusive injuries in dermatology: Ethical and legal considerations. Accessed March 14, 2022. Bruising easily can be as simple as a side effect of taking a blood thinner, or it could signal a vitamin deficiency or another underlying issue. More severe bruising and hematomas may last a month or longer. See a doctor if you suspect your symptoms are a result of von Willebrand disease. High-dose flu vaccines: How are they different from other flu vaccines? Youll see discoloration from the bleeding under your skin, which is a bruise. Fever. 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