Bruising occurs when blood becomes trapped under the skin, usually following an impact injury that damages small blood vessels. Thrombophilia means that your blood has an increased tendency to clot. The collection of blood makes a bruise visible. Research finds (2015). Even though theres blood pooling underneath your skin, you wont have any external bleeding unless your skin breaks open. Call your childs healthcare professional if your child experiences frequent, unexplained bruises along with: In most cases, bruises go away on their own without care. If you also feel tired, achy, and weak all the time, or lose weight without trying to, give your doctor a call. Platelets are crucial for clotting (stopping a bleed), says Dr. Vyas. Clinical evaluation of bleeding and bruising in primary care. As a result, bleeding from damage to small blood vessels near the skin's surface might take longer than usual to stop. 7th ed. 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. Most bruises go away without treatment within a couple of weeks. Some conditions can make it harder for your blood to clot. A lack of vitamin K which could be the result of something as simple as skimping on leafy green veggies or more serious conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, or bacterial overgrowth of the gut could lead to easy bleeding and bruising, says Dr. Elliott. 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). However, if the discoloration does not heal within a few weeks, it is worth talking to a doctor. Thats because your body needs iron to keep your blood cells healthy. You might also get bruises more often if you have issues with your platelets or those cells involved in the blood vessel healing process. ", Merck Manual: "Bruising and Bleeding," "Purpura Simplex. "When a blood vessel gets damaged, the body starts a response to try to rapidly repair it like plugging a leaky pipe. There are several nutrient deficiencies associated with easy or random bruising, including: Vitamin C: Vitamin C is important for Children: If there is bleeding, the first choice is IV IgG (intravenous immunoglobulin G). UW Health. Another indication of possible leukemia is lots of bruises with no indication as to a cause. The result of extreme vitamin C deficiency is scurvy, which also leads to bleeding gums, fingernail and tooth loss, and heart failure. Erickson, F. (2014). Getting the right nutrients may also help protect against easy bruising. It is an uncommon disease and may cause easy bruising all of a sudden in both children and adults. See a doctor or other healthcare provider right away if you experience any of the following: Last medically reviewed on November 9, 2018. This allows enough blood to leak out under the skin to cause a bruise. Muscle contusion (bruise). Tiny reddish spots on the skin (purpura). These bruises last long and even grow in size. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Taking medications to thin blood or stop clotting, such as aspirin or blood thinners. There are some bleeding disorders and medical conditions that may make you more prone to bruising, including: Bruises range in size, shape and color depending on the type of bruise, cause and location. Blood vessels can break or leak like a cracked pipe. Having a vitamin C or vitamin K deficiency. Hemophilia is a genetic condition wherein people lack either clotting factor VIII or IX, resulting in excessive bruising. Applying ice packs for the first 24 to 48 hours after injury. They can vary in color, and skin color may affect the appearance of a bruise. 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. Thornburg CD, et al. People with sepsis often develop a cluster of tiny blood spots, resembling pinpricks in the skin (petechiae) or purple areas (purpura). Ecchymosis (pronounced eh-chuh-mow-sis) is the medical term for a bruise. Accessed March 14, 2022. Both of these things mean you get more bruises. They may also order blood tests to measure your platelet levels and the time it takes your blood to clot. You should also consider a history of trauma or vigorous sports or playing. However, It is not a serious disease, and the incidence of complications is rare. Talk to your health care provider about your concerns. Vitamin C is found in: Profund vitamin C deficiency results in a condition called (scurvy), which is rare nowadays. Achenbach syndrome is a rare and benign condition wherein sudden bruising appears on one or more of the fingers. Bruises look like a mark on your skin thats black and blue or red to purple. "Any problems with the liver can mess with proteins necessary for clotting," says Dr. Vyas. Factor X deficiency is a condition where there isn't enough of the protein factor X in the blood, leading to uncontrolled bleeding. 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. AIcohoI-induced bone marrow suppression leads to easy bruising all of a sudden when the platelets drop below a certain number. Why Do I Get Headache When it Rains? It happens to everyone. Anemia may be your first thought, but it's not always the case. If you develop a blood clot, your doctor will probably test you for thrombophilia and may put you on blood thinners (anticoagulants). You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. This article will expand on factors in and causes of random bruising and accompanying symptoms. They create and support wound healing. Stanger M, et al. Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Mayo Clinic on High Blood Pressure - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Financial Assistance Documents Minnesota, Assisted Walking and Mobility Options at Mayo Clinic Store, Balanced skincare Solutions from Mayo Clinic Store, Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition, Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter Digital Edition. These are rare, but they can be life-threatening if you don't treat them. Cushing syndrome. Ecchymosis (bruising) is a common condition that affects everyone at some point. The Causes of Bruising Easily: Anemia, Vitamin Deficiency, Causes of easy bruising include medications, supplements, diseases of the blood, and other conditions that affect blood clotting. If you're experiencing easy bruising, you might have questions about what's causing it and what you can do about it. information submitted for this request. 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. Yet another tender bruise. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. That's because over time, the sun slowly weakens your skin and the tiny blood vessels underneath it. (2018). Bruises usually arent a cause for concern. Extensive bruising secondary to vitamin C deficiency. Clinical approach to the patient with bleeding or bruising. Healthcare professionals are required by law to ask you questions to make sure youre safe in your domestic situation. 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. This is because they lower the amount of platelets in the blood. Find out what role aging plays and when to consult a health care provider. The following are some possible causes of random bruising. Symptoms can occur at any age, but most severe cases tend to occur during childhood. In ITP, your bodys platelets decrease in number due to self-destruction by the immune system. Children are often more prone to bruising than the average adult. For example, a person should see a doctor if: Occasional bruising is rarely a cause for concern. In some cases, random bruising may be associated with one of the following less common causes. Easy bruising can cause large bruises in multiple areas of the body, often at the same time. You should see your healthcare provider if you seem to bruise easily or have unexplained bruising. Bleeding into the skin may cause only discoloration, or the spot may be swollen and tender to the touch. There is a problem with Many blood-thinning medications can cause such a condition: These blood-thinning medications can cause sudden easy bruising during their first use or when the dose is changed. For example, cirrhosis is the result of continuous long-term damage, and bruising easily is a symptom. Many causes: Brusing may be normal, and inherited genetically. In the early stages, DIC causes your blood to clot excessively. Dr. Allison Greco answered. Most cases of random bruising are nothing to worry about. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 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. 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. Has an estimated prevalence of 1 in 15,00020,000 and is generally inherited as an autosomal dominant condition. They aid in the formation of red blood cells, help maintain mineral levels, and lower your cholesterol. Easy bruising: Why does it happen? Someone with von Willebrand disease might notice large or lumpy bruises from minor, even unnoticeable, injuries. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. However, taking anticoagulants and antibiotics that interfere with vitamin K production may cause deficiencies. Neutze, D, et al. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. It's not likely, but it's possible that your bruises are a sign of bloodcancer, such as leukemia. Kidney disease can affect your platelets, also leading to clotting problems, and therefore more frequent bruising. Coming to a Cleveland Clinic location?Hillcrest Cancer Center check-in changesCole Eye entrance closingVisitation and COVID-19 information, Notice of Intelligent Business Solutions data eventLearn more. Most bruises eventually disappear as the body reabsorbs the blood, although healing might take longer as you age. Totally normal. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Here are 10 easy treatments to lessen the pain and reduce the visibility. Most often, a ruptured spleen is caused by blunt force trauma. WebEasy bruising after minimal or no trauma is thought to occur due to platelet dysfunction and capillary fragility. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Blood diseases like aplastic anemia, white blood cell cancer, hemophilia, Von Wideband disease may cause easy bruising and prolonged bleeding. Anticoagulants (blood thinners) and over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications like aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil), and naproxen (Aleve) affect your bloods ability to clot. The discolorations can be caused by rare bleeding disorders or other rare medical conditions. Those telltale marks that appear when your little one gets banged or bumped happen because the blood vessels underneath the skins surface break so that blood leaks out and forms a bruise. Arrange furniture and electrical cords so that they're not in your way when you walk. Note that any significant bruising (more than five bruises) requires medical advice from your doctor. Fraser IM, et al. Approach to the patient with bleeding and thrombosis. When you strain a muscle, you injure muscle tissue deep under the skin. ", National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: "Cirrhosis. Most bruises are harmless and go away without treatment. Some people especially women are more prone to bruising than others. (. Side effects: Anticoagulant medicines. 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. Most often, physical injury (say, wiping out on your run or banging your elbow on the table) causes damage to the blood vessel. Learn more about what the colors of a bruise mean here. Review/update the Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, ketorolac, etc. These Broccoli Nutrition Facts Prove There's More to It Than Fiber. In kidney disease, platelets do not work properly, causing easy bruising. To prevent minor bruising, take steps to avoiding falls and injuries: Unfortunately, once a bruise has formed, not much can be done to treat it. These tests include: Most bruises fade away and dont need treatment. Heart-healthy diet: 8 steps to prevent heart disease. This is because your skin tends to become thinner as you age. If a loved one has a bruise that can't be explained, particularly in an unusual location such as on the face, be aware of the possibility of abuse. (2009). An increase in bruising can be a side effect of some medications, especially blood thinners, NSAIDS, and steroids. This bleeding disorder is a lifelong condition. Easy bruising. Do you bruise more easily now than you did when you were younger? Use handrails when youre walking up or down stairs. If we combine this information with your protected A migraine classically causes throbbing, pounding pain that lasts for hours sometimes even days on one side of the head. Vitamin K deficiency. Intense exercise can leave you with more than just sore muscles. This content does not have an Arabic version. You probably know throwing back shots or chugging beers on the regular can damage your liver. Check out these common things that may cause those blotches and learn how to prevent them. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Your blood cells (platelets) are your bodys plumbers to repair the leak in your blood vessels. Accessed March 14, 2022. Signs and symptoms of spontaneous bleeding include: Unexplained and excessive bleeding from cuts or injuries, or after surgery or dental work. (n.d.). If your bruising is tied to medication overuse, you may also experience: If you suspect that your bruising is a result of OTC or prescription medication use, see a doctor. Try to avoid looking at your phone or being distracted when youre walking. It also explains bruising in pregnancy and when to see a doctor. They aren't caused by bumping into something, they don't usually feel tender when you touch them, and they take longer to heal. Many large or deep bruises. With exercise, you risk more forceful physical contact whether that's a hard-hitting connection with a weight, another class goer, or the ground (clumsy in HIIT class, anyone?) Theyre caused by a blood vessel break. Certain dietary supplements, such as ginkgo biloba, also can increase bruising risk due to a blood-thinning effect. Factor V deficiency is a rare bleeding disorder wherein people lack the protein coagulation factor V. This prevents the blood from clotting. Learn more about these serious fractures, how theyre treated, and what to expect. If you, your mom, and your sister all turn black and blue from the tiniest bump, it may be a family thing. 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. Clopidogrel (Plavix) is commonly used in patients with ischemic heart disease. Certain medications make you more susceptible to bruising. Fever. Achilles Tendon Rupture: Symptoms to Look For, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, Ruptured Spleen: Symptoms and Treatment in Adults and Children, Drug-Related Bicycle Accidents Drawing Concerns, a crawling or tingling feeling in your legs, cravings to eat things that are not food, such as ice, dirt, or clay, excessive bleeding from punctures or wounds, tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands or feet, severe bleeding after injuries, dental work, or surgeries, nosebleeds that last longer than 10 minutes, a cough, difficulty swallowing, or breathlessness (if the lymphoma is in the chest area), indigestion, stomach pain, or weight loss (if the lymphoma is in the stomach or bowel), excessive bleeding after injury, surgery, or childbirth, purple stretch marks on the breasts, arms, abdomen, and thighs, fatty tissue deposits in the face and upper back, a bruise that increases in size over time, a bruise that doesnt change within two weeks, severe night sweats (that soak through your clothes), unusually heavy periods or large blood clots in menstrual flow. Underlying bleeding disorders such as hemophilia, thrombocytopenia, or factor V deficiency can cause bruising. Signs and symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Pain, swelling or tightness in your joints. 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. Bruising can easily be a symptom of a bacterial infection called sepsis. Resting and elevating the injured area to prevent swelling and to relieve pain. More severe bruising and hematomas may last a month or longer. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with Instead, talk with your doctor about this issue. Consuming certain nutrients may help reduce your risk. When this happens, blood leaks out of the vessels and initially appears as a dark mark. Pictures and symptoms of the red, scaly rash. "[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. 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. Find out about the side effects of medications you take. Accessed March 14, 2022. You're most likely to see them on the backs of your hands and arms. Aging As you age, your skin gets thinner and you lose some of the protective fat that cushions your blood vessels Other medications that may cause sudden bruising include: Any recent drug before the onset of sudden bruising should be reported to your doctor. If you notice this happening, don't stop taking your medication, but do talk to your doctor about it. (2017). Symptoms of an Achilles tendon rupture are hard to ignore. Easy bruising is common with age. and when that impact gets powerful, it's more likely to leave a mark. Experiencing a low blood platelet count (. When to worry about bruises. When the liver is damaged, it stops producing the proteins required for blood clotting. It may also be an indication of a vitamin deficiency, or a deficiency in the compounds needed for blood clotting. Avoid clutter and throw rugs, especially on stairs. The most common causes of bruising easily all of a sudden are low platelet (such as immune thrombocytopenia), blood-thining medications, and vitamin deficiencies such as vitamin C and K deficiency. Bruises develop when capillaries burst after an impact, while blood clots occur when an injury damages blood vessels. This accounts for around 75% of all cases of thrombocytopenia in pregnancy. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. High-dose flu vaccines: How are they different from other flu vaccines? Some medical conditions that can cause easy bruising include: While the occasional bruise isnt a cause for concern, easy bruising could be. Bruising and bleeding are some of the common symptoms of leukemia. (. Is this cause for concern? Selective Serotonin Reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine (Prozac), Citalopram (Cipramil), and others. Bruises form a mark on your skin that ranges in color from black, blue, purple, brown or yellow. When this happens, you may notice that you bruise easily. People who have cancers in parts of the body responsible for blood production, like the liver, may also experience unusual clotting. Some types of medication can interfere with your bodys ability to form blood clots, which can increase your risk of bruising easily. For example, cirrhosis is the result of continuous long-term damage, and bruising easily is a symptom. 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? This may result in blood leaking from vessels and accumulating under the skin. The table below is an overview of the causes of bruising easily all of a sudden. You can help your bruises heal faster by: Everyone experiences bruising. The resulting discoloration from the bleeding is a bruise. Having a condition or receiving treatment that affects your blood platelet count (such as. Moving furniture away from doorways and walkways to avoid bumping into hard surfaces. Its also important to be aware that unexplained bruising may be a sign of domestic violence or assault. Corticosteroids (affect collagen fibers in the wall of the blood vessels). Individuals with sepsis often get a rash with tiny blood spots on their skin. Losing weight without Medications that thin your blood to prevent dangerous blood clots are a common cause of easy bruising. 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. This is typically due to being active, playing sports, or moving quickly. Other symptoms of a vitamin C deficiency include: You may begin to bruise easily if you arent getting enough iron. If any of these factors are slightly off, bruising can occur more easily. Some medications may require a gradual reduction and careful monitoring. Turning on a light or flashlight when walking through poorly lit areas. 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 Medications can also hinder the blood clotting process and inhibit platelet function. Blood vessels are tubes that carry blood throughout your body. Here are 10 easy treatments to lessen the pain and reduce the visibility. It is rare in adults, generally occurring in the neonatal period. (2016). 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. Problems with two major organs your liver and kidneys can cause blood abnormalities. WebSome people have sudden unexplained bruising or blood spots under the skin, or they may suddenly get bruises more often. MD, Internal Medicine and Nephrology specialist.Dr. Last medically reviewed on December 7, 2021. There may be a blood clotting issue or another underlying condition that needs treatment. See your health care provider if you: Have Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? People with immune thrombocytopenia have a low platelet count, and bruising can also appear for no reason. 16. If you arent getting enough vitamin C, your skin may begin to bruise easily, resulting in random bruising. You may bruise more easily while taking certain medications, including blood thinners or steroids. Vitamin K deficiency leads to defective blood coagulation, which results in bleeding tendency and sudden onset of easy bruising. Most bruises fade away within two weeks without treatment. Learn more here. Mayo Clinic Staff. Should I look out for signs of complications? Even small changes in sight or hearing can cause you to fall. People can prevent vitamin deficiencies by making dietary changes and taking supplements. These bruises are a little different. Blood in your urine or stool. 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. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. For unclear reasons, girls tend to bruise more easily than boys.
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