An approach to investigation of easy bruising. This can cause bleeding within the skin tissue. Getting the right nutrients may also help protect against easy bruising. Thrombophilia means that your blood has an increased tendency to clot. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. If youre undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatments, you may have low blood platelet counts (thrombocytopenia). In addition to liver problems, alcohol abuse can also suppress the production of blood cells involved in the repair process and because a stiff drink will cause blood vessels to relax and expand, that makes the vessels more prone to breakage. If you seem to be bruising easily, it could also be due to medications, a medical condition, or even a vitamin deficiency. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. These bruises can get larger, turning your skin purple. Easy bruising may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including: Abdominal pain. "[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. Vitamins perform many important functions in your blood. information submitted for this request. It can also occur if the red blood cells lack enough hemoglobin, the iron-rich component 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 ). 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. Individuals with food allergies and restrictive diets. Are you doing everything you can to stay healthy? We avoid using tertiary references. This accounts for around 75% of all cases of thrombocytopenia in pregnancy. Repeat throughout the day. Last medically reviewed on June 29, 2020, A bruise usually results from a blow to the body. Also, if you never bruised easily, but all of a sudden, bruises keep popping up out of nowhere, it's worth seeing a doc, says Dr. Elliott. Blood diseases like aplastic anemia, white blood cell cancer, hemophilia, Von Wideband disease may cause easy bruising and prolonged bleeding. More severe bruising and hematomas may last a month or longer. Has an estimated prevalence of 1 in 15,00020,000 and is generally inherited as an autosomal dominant condition. Research finds Benabio J. Know the symptoms and what to do if you experience them. Accessed March 14, 2022. All rights reserved. An injury or physical trauma to your body. Therefore, you're more prone to frequent bruising, says Dr. Elliott. What causes them, and what you can do about them. Bleeding and bruising (thrombocytopenia) and cancer treatment. Most of us get bruises from bumping into objects from time to time. The ICD-10-CM code for ecchymosis is R58. Blood in your urine or stool. Bruising can easily be a symptom of a bacterial infection called sepsis. Liver disease can Your provider can further identify what type of ecchymosis you have based on your symptoms. People who have cancer and are struggling to eat may also experience vitamin deficiencies that impact the bloods ability to clot. Without enough platelets, the blood has trouble clotting. The discolorations can be caused by rare bleeding disorders or other rare medical conditions. The following are some possible causes of random bruising. Aside from a physical exam to look at any bruises, your healthcare provider will likely ask you questions about your family medical history. Bruising in leukaemia VS ordinary bruising. It can be hard to know when to seek medical care. 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. Meanwhile, vitamin K deficiency can contribute to significant bleeding, poor bone development, and cardiovascular disease. Cushing syndrome causes the skin to thin, resulting in easy bruising. Steroids and anti-depressants can also make you bruise more easily. (2017). Someone with von Willebrand disease might notice large or lumpy bruises from minor, even unnoticeable, injuries. That's because you're pushing your muscles with so much effort that it leads to tiny tears in your blood vessels. Other leukemia symptoms include fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath, and loss of appetite (7), (8). As the area heals, the bruise may turn a lighter shade of brown, green or yellow. They generally affect the back, legs, and hands. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/fall-proofing-your-home. (2012). When this happens, blood leaks out of the vessels and initially appears as a dark mark. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. Try to eat foods containing. Easy bruising. Talk with your healthcare professional about any medications that may be causing you to bleed and bruise more easily. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. But sometimes you spot a bruise and you can't figure out how you got it. Also, as you get older, you tend to lose some of the fatty layer in your skin that helps protect your blood vessels from injury. "When a blood vessel gets damaged, the body starts a response to try to rapidly repair it like plugging a leaky pipe. The majority of cases will resolve spontaneously without a need for treatment. What causes this? Bruises that take longer than usual to disappear are another concern. Medications can also hinder the blood clotting process and inhibit platelet function. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. People who have fair skin often bruise easily. Drinking alcohol can make you more prone to easy bruising and bumping into things. Bruising occasionally indicates a more serious medical condition. Vitamin C or K deficiency, bleeding disorders such as hemophilia or Von Willebrand disease, or cancer can cause bruising. (2017). More research is needed to, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. If NHL spreads to the bone marrow, it can reduce the number of blood cells in your body. Most often, physical injury (say, wiping out on your run or banging your elbow on the table) causes damage to the blood vessel. Why Do I Get Headache When it Rains? Can Too Much Green Tea Lead to Liver Damage? 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. This is because your skin tends to become thinner as you age. You probably know throwing back shots or chugging beers on the regular can damage your liver. Certain health conditions, medications, and even inherited disorders can cause random bruising. Learn about how to get. And a sinus headache shows up as pressure on one side But if you're waking up more mornings than not with a new bruise, you're probably wondering what it means or if there's something more serious going on with your health. Side effects: Anticoagulant medicines. Other common symptoms of a bleeding disorder include: Sepsis is an infection that causes a buildup of toxins in the blood or tissues. Mayo Clinic Minute: Can you slow down age-related hearing loss? and when that impact gets powerful, it's more likely to leave a mark. Esraa A. MagidAuthorMORE INSIGHTS, 5 Causes of Bruising Easily All of a Sudden (In-depth), 7 Causes of Headache at 4 PM Every Day & How to, 4 Causes of Headache in a 39-Week Pregnant, Vitamin B12 101: Benefits, Sources causes of deficiency, &. See additional information. Are you taking too much anti-inflammatory medication? If youre bleeding more than normal for some reason, the blood will pool under your skin and cause a bruise. Your provider might tell you to avoid certain nonprescription medications or supplements. However, if you bruise easily, even a minor bump can result in a substantial bruise. Policy. Last medically reviewed on December 7, 2021. Doctors can detect a liver or kidney condition during routine blood tests, so don't be afraid to speak up if you suspect there's a problem. Cleveland Clinic Community Care puts patients first by offering comprehensive, coordinated, personalized healthcare. Cases that dont respond may require other treatments such as immunosuppressive medications, IV IgG, platelet transfusion, etc. You may bruise more easily while taking certain medications, including blood thinners or steroids. Other symptoms of vitamin K deficiency include: If you suspect that your bruising is a result of deficiency, see a healthcare provider. Researchers are expressing concerns over the number of bicycle accidents involving drugs. A bruise, or contusion, is skin discoloration from damaged, leaking blood vessels underneath your skin. Some deficiencies include vitamin C deficiency and vitamin K deficiency. Accessed March 14, 2022. 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: "Easy Bruising: Common as You Age. Eden, R. E., & Coviello, J. M. (2020). WebBleeding into the skin happens when small blood vessels burst just below your skins surface. Other possible causes of bruising include: Bruising and bleeding are some of the common symptoms of leukemia. privacy practices. Bruises change color as they heal and most dont need treatment. Management typically involves psychiatric treatment. They can vary in color, and skin color may affect the appearance of a bruise. Youll see discoloration from the bleeding under your skin, which is a bruise. Other medications that may cause sudden bruising include: Any recent drug before the onset of sudden bruising should be reported to your doctor. Tell your health care provider or pharmacist if a medication makes you dizzy or sleepy. More severe bruises might need treatment. 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. Children are often more prone to bruising than the average adult. Your body quickly tries to repair the damage, and if it's not fast enough, you'll get a bruise. People who take blood thinners bruise more easily. There may be a blood clotting issue or another underlying condition that needs treatment. If you also feel tired, achy, and weak all the time, or lose weight without trying to, give your doctor a call. It's not likely, but it's possible that your bruises are a sign of bloodcancer, such as leukemia. An infection that causes the buildup of toxin in the blood or tissues ( sepsis ). This will allow him/her to examine you, ask specific questions. Clinical evaluation of bleeding and bruising in primary care. See a doctor if you suspect your symptoms are a result of von Willebrand disease. Nosebleeds without a known cause. 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. Diabetes is a metabolic condition that affects your bodys ability to Certain medications such as aspirin, anticoagulants, antibiotics, corticosteroids, and diuretics can make you more prone to skin problems like dryness and bruising. Hoffman R, et al. (2017). Dr. Allison Greco answered. Fraser IM, et al. Some antibiotics such as cephalosporins (as Cefotriaxone), Linezolid (Zyvox), sulfonamides, Penicillins, Rifampin, Vancomycin, and others. You can take these steps to lower your risk of injury and bruising by: Bruises can be unsightly, but most bruises fade without treatment. Muscle contusion (bruise). (. However, if the discoloration does not heal within a few weeks, it is worth talking to a doctor. Your skin may appear red, purple, blue or black. An extra-hard workout can sometimes cause bruises. Also, always make sure your doctor or healthcare professional knows about any herbs or supplements youre taking as this could affect your bloods ability to clot, especially if your doctor prescribes blood-thinner or steroid medications for you. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Check out these common things that may cause those blotches and learn how to prevent them. 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. Vitamins and minerals: What you should know about essential nutrients. 2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK. It's not likely, but it's possible that your bruises are a sign of blood This is because they lower the amount of platelets in the blood. However, it should not appear in isolation and may appear alongside fatigue, appetite loss, abdominal pain, and nausea. Fever. Confronting abusive injuries in dermatology: Ethical and legal considerations. For unclear reasons, girls tend to bruise more easily than boys. Applying ice packs for the first 24 to 48 hours after injury. These Broccoli Nutrition Facts Prove There's More to It Than Fiber. These tests include: Most bruises fade away and dont need treatment. Raise the area where you're injured and put ice on it. Bruises develop when capillaries burst after an impact, while blood clots occur when an injury damages blood vessels. People older than 65 years are more likely to bruise, along with women and people assigned female at birth. Erickson, F. (2014). Platelets are responsible for the prevention and stoppage of any future bleeding. 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. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Try to avoid looking at your phone or being distracted when youre walking. They include anti-platelet medications that inhibit clotting cells called platelets, loke aspirin and Plavix. Wearing protective gear like helmets and pads when playing contact sports, bicycling or riding a motorcycle. If we combine this information with your protected WebEasy bruising after minimal or no trauma is thought to occur due to platelet dysfunction and capillary fragility. Learn more here. However, It is not a serious disease, and the incidence of complications is rare. If you do play a contact sport, make sure you have the proper gear, such as a helmet or shoulder or knee pads. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. People who have this condition have joints that move far beyond the typical range of motion and stretchy skin. You don't recall bumping into anything, but lately you seem to be bruising frequently. Consuming certain nutrients may help reduce your risk. Anticoagulant activity of select dietary supplements. Sometimes bruising occurs due to vitamin deficiencies. Neutze, D, et al. Medications such as anticoagulants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroids reduce the bloods ability to clot. 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. Mayo Clinic Staff. Most bruises fade away within two weeks without treatment. If you notice this happening, don't stop taking your medication, but do talk to your doctor about it. People can prevent vitamin deficiencies by making dietary changes and taking supplements. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Bleeding under the skin may also present as pinprick-sized red or purple dots that resemble a rash. (n.d.). (. Thats because your body needs iron to keep your blood cells healthy. If you notice more frequent bruising, its important to talk with your healthcare professional so they can work with you to determine the cause. Hemophilia A is a genetic condition that affects the bloods ability to clot. Also known as blood poisoning, sepsis requires immediate emergency treatment. Can Ibuprofen Really Reduce Your Period Flow? information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with Previous history of recent drug use or viral infection before the onset of bruising. Here are 10 easy treatments to lessen the pain and reduce the visibility. Most bruises are nothing to worry about and will heal within a couple of weeks. It might help to elevate the affected area and apply ice. People with this condition bruise easily, with bleeding from small blood vessels under the skin. Accessed March 14, 2022. Vitamin C is essential to healing and collagen formation, and when youre not getting enough of it, you may start We avoid using tertiary references. An increase in bruising can be a side effect of some medications, especially blood thinners, NSAIDS, and steroids. It also eliminates harmful free radicals that can lead to tissue degeneration and random bruising. These causes are covered in more detail below. Never stop taking any medications on your own. This may be caused by: A medicine, such as aspirin or blood thinners ( anticoagulants ). However, if a bruise persists, changes in size, or looks unusual, there may be an underlying condition or other factors. Infection that causes the buildup of toxin in the blood or tissues ( sepsis ). 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. You should call a healthcare provider if you experience: You may want to ask your healthcare provider: The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) is a tool for healthcare providers to diagnose and classify conditions for clinical settings. Blood tests to check for clotting conditions and vitamin deficiencies. Cushing syndrome develops when you have too much cortisol in your blood. (2018). The ITP is often triggered by viral infections or certain medications such as aspirin and carbamazepine. If you notice marks on your arms or legs after an intense workout, try the "RICE" method: We don't mean you woke up with a black-and-blue mark because you bumped into something after one too many cocktails. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/muscle-contusion-bruise. A poor diet can affect health in a number of negative ways, and vitamin deficiencies can contribute to random bruising. ", American Osteopathic College of Dermatology: "Bruising Hands and Arms. Skin care and aging. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Randomly bruising easily? Bruising (ecchymosis) happens when small blood vessels (capillaries) break under your skin. Hemophilia is a genetic condition wherein people lack either clotting factor VIII or IX, resulting in excessive bruising. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Bruising occurs when blood becomes trapped under the skin, usually following an impact injury that damages small blood vessels. Swelling or a raised bump on your skin (hematoma). Eventually the body reabsorbs the blood, and the mark disappears. Certain dietary supplements, such as ginkgo biloba, also can increase bruising risk due to a blood-thinning effect. Cines, D. B., & Levine, L. D. (2017). ), 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. Arrange furniture and electrical cords so that they're not in your way when you walk. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. Gurnee EA, et al. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. If diabetes has already been diagnosed, your bruising may simply be a result of slow wound healing. Having a vitamin C or vitamin K deficiency. Thrombophilia typically has no symptoms until a blood clot develops. Anemia may be your first thought, but it's not always the case. This is typically due to being active, playing sports, or moving quickly. If you need help because of domestic violence or sexual assault, talk with a healthcare professional, or access resources and assistance through our domestic violence resource guide. Your blood cells (platelets) are your bodys plumbers to repair the leak in your blood vessels. (2017). The most common causes of bruising easily all of a sudden are low platelet (such as immune thrombocytopenia), blood-thining medications, and vitamin Complete blood count shows low platelet count (less than 150,000/CC); it is usually less than 40,000/CC. These form when blood pools under your skin. What We Know. It could be a sign that you've got a condition called cirrhosis, which is scarring of the liver.It's a serious illness, so see your doctor. If you suddenly get easy bruising, review any recent medications and even the list of your chronic medication. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/skin-care-and-aging. Sporadic bruising usually isnt cause for worry. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a group of inherited conditions that affect the connective tissues. In some cases, random bruising may be associated with one of the following less common causes. Unexplained bruises could be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Also, some medications (such as warfarin) may interact with other foods or medications and cause bruising without recent changes in the dose. Many large or deep bruises. Read on to learn more about common causes, what to watch for, and when to see a doctor. As with adults, if a child seems to be getting bruised more easily than usual, it could be due to certain medications or underlying conditions. Here's a list of seven symptoms that call for attention. Turning on a light or flashlight when walking through poorly lit areas. (n.d.). General Practice 11 years experience. Fatigue. Cushing syndrome. Bruising is common. Sudden onset of easy bruising is more common with the adult type (on minor trauma or spontaneously). High-dose flu vaccines: How are they different from other flu vaccines? Fainting during urination (micturition syncope): What causes it? Vora, A., & Makris, M. (2001). 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. (2011). See additional information. This occurs in 4.4% to 11.6% of pregnancies. 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. Accessed March 14, 2022. Intense exercise can leave you with more than just sore muscles. 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. If you experience frequent or unexplained bruising, your provider may order tests to rule out possible causes. Unexplained bruising is one of them. In kidney disease, platelets do not work properly, causing easy bruising. As people get older, the skin becomes thinner and loses some of the protective fatty layer that helps cushion blood vessels from injury. Headaches come in lots of varieties, and some are easily recognizable. Dr. Michael Sparacino answered. (2016). 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. Most bruises go away without treatment within a couple of weeks. 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. See a doctor or other healthcare provider right away if you experience any of the following: Last medically reviewed on November 9, 2018. Easy bruising is common with age. When your blood takes longer to clot, more of it leaks from your blood vessels and accumulates under your skin. Let's look at symptoms and treatments. Other causes can include vitamin deficiencies, a low platelet count, and some chronic conditions. Bernard-Soulier syndrome is a rare, inherited blood clotting disorder. There are several ways that your blood vessels could break, including: You and your healthcare provider can identify a bruise by your symptoms, especially the look and color of the mark on your skin. Bruises can occur from a fall, accident, sports injury or medical procedure. Experiencing a low blood platelet count (. However, the occasional bruise or a bruise due to an accident, typically isnt a cause for concern. When blood isnt clotting like it should, bleeding can be heavier or longer than normal. Most often, a ruptured spleen is caused by blunt force trauma.
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