It's pretty typical to bruise easily on your legs or arms (you could even get bruises on your legs from foam rolling too hard! Blood tests to check for clotting conditions and vitamin deficiencies. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could An extra-hard workout can sometimes cause bruises. Eden, R. E., & Coviello, J. M. (2020). 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. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. (2018). Accessed March 14, 2022. If you suddenly get easy bruising, review any recent medications and even the list of your chronic medication. Easy bruising can cause large bruises in multiple areas of the body, often at the same time. Blood vessels are tubes that carry blood throughout your body. 2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? Applying ice packs for the first 24 to 48 hours after injury. You probably know throwing back shots or chugging beers on the regular can damage your liver. Bruise 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. (2016). See additional information. Other symptoms of iron deficiency include: Although rare in healthy adults, vitamin K deficiencies can slow the rate at which blood clots. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. American Cancer Society: "Signs and Symptoms of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Swelling or a raised bump on your skin (hematoma). If you develop a blood clot, your doctor will probably test you for thrombophilia and may put you on blood thinners (anticoagulants). Here are the signs you may need to see a doctor. It's not likely, but it's possible that your bruises are a sign of bloodcancer, such as leukemia. Your bodys blood cells repair damaged blood vessels to help you heal. 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. Here are 10 easy treatments to lessen the pain and reduce the visibility. Bruises that dont go away, or bruises that occur for no apparent, Sporadic bruising usually isn't cause for worry. Last medically reviewed on June 29, 2020, A bruise usually results from a blow to the body. (. It may seem scary, but if you feel fine and don't have any other symptoms, it's probably nothing to worry about. Use handrails when youre walking up or down stairs. Randomly bruising easily? Always mention any unusual bruising during pregnancy to a doctor or midwife. Accessed March 14, 2022. Let's look at symptoms and treatments. However, taking anticoagulants and antibiotics that interfere with vitamin K production may cause deficiencies. Flu-like symptoms ( fatigue, fever, sore throat, Are you taking too much anti-inflammatory medication? The length of time youll have a bruise varies based on what caused your bruise and the type of bruise. When to worry about bruises. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/skin-care-and-aging. Bruising is common. The most common cause is aging or the side effect of medications such Easy bruising may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including: Abdominal pain. Von Willebrand disease. These blood vessels leak into surrounding tissues. (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. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. White, G. (2008). causes Bernard-Soulier syndrome is a rare, inherited blood clotting disorder. 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. Random Bruising: 13 Possible Causes Excluding Obvious The skin is also thin, fragile, and easily damaged. We avoid using tertiary references. Bruises on the torso, back, or face could especially be a concern. Sudden onset of easy bruising is more common with the adult type (on minor trauma or spontaneously). Vitamin C, for example, supports your immune system and aids in wound healing. Cushing syndrome. Signs and symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/muscle-contusion-bruise. General Practice 11 years experience. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. This includes the joints, skin, and blood vessel walls. Blood disorders usually cause symptoms other than bruising. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Your body needs iron to make hemoglobin, which helps blood carry oxygen throughout the body. Remove household hazards that you can trip over or bump into. 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. Pain, swelling or tightness in your joints. Medications such as anticoagulants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroids reduce the bloods ability to clot. What deficiency can cause bruising? Unexplained bruises could be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Bruising can happen more easily if a person uses certain medications or has a health condition or. People with this condition bruise easily, with bleeding from small blood vessels under the skin. Bruises look like a mark on your skin thats black and blue or red to purple. This content does not have an Arabic version. Here's a list of seven symptoms that call for attention. Bruising is more common among older adults. While vitamin C deficiency can also cause an increase in bruising, it's uncommon in the U.S. thanks to diets filled with fruits and veggies. Some types of medication can interfere with your bodys ability to form blood clots, which can increase your risk of bruising easily. These include aspirin; ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others); naproxen sodium (Aleve); anticoagulant medications, such as warfarin (Jantoven), dabigatran (Pradaxa), rivaroxaban (Xarelto), apixaban (Eliquis) and heparin; and anti-platelet agents, such as clopidogrel (Plavix), prasugrel (Effient) and ticagrelor (Brilinta). Dr. Allison Greco answered. Get rid of clutter and cords that may cause you to stumble or fall. If you experience frequent or unexplained bruising, your provider may order tests to rule out possible causes. Repeat throughout the day. Achenbach syndrome is a rare and benign condition wherein sudden bruising appears on one or more of the fingers. Other medications that may cause sudden bruising include: Any recent drug before the onset of sudden bruising should be reported to your doctor. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with "When a blood vessel gets damaged, the body starts a response to try to rapidly repair it like plugging a leaky pipe. If you're getting unexplained black-and-blues on the regular, it could be because of weakness in your capillaries those small, branching blood vessels throughout the body. All rights reserved. They can vary in color, and skin color may affect the appearance of a bruise. Plus, if you play any contact sports, your risk goes up even further. 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. Thrombocytopenia in pregnancy. Medicines, herbs, and vitamins which affect bleeding. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. UW Health. A Zumba class or 30 minutes on the treadmill aren't likely to cause a problem, but weightlifting or running a marathon can do it. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Bruises in Children: Whats Normal and 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. Learn, If left untreated, a blood clot can reach your organs and cause potentially life threatening conditions, such as pulmonary embolism, stroke, or a. Certain medications make you more susceptible to bruising. Easy bruising can cause large bruises in multiple areas of the body, often at the same time. This is because they lower the amount of platelets in the blood. Our content is not intended nor recommended as a substitute for medical advice by your doctor. 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. Skin in older adults is generally thinner, which can increase your risk of bruising. They aren't caused by bumping into something, they don't usually feel tender when you touch them, and they take longer to heal. They can work with you to modify your treatment plan. It causes suppression of the bone marrow. Bruises that take longer than usual to disappear are another concern. 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. Moving furniture away from doorways and walkways to avoid bumping into hard surfaces. Scientists use genetic rewiring to increase lifespan of cells, Beyond amyloid and tau: New targets in developing dementia treatments, Napping longer than 30 minutes linked to higher risk of obesity and high blood pressure, Activity 'snacks' could lower blood sugar, complication risk in type 1 diabetes, In Conversation: Investigating the power of music for dementia, How to tell if it is a bruise or a blood clot, How to get rid of a bruise: Home remedies, bruising occurs for no apparent reason and does not heal within a few weeks, bruises appear in unusual locations, such as the torso, back, or face, there are a number of bruises in one specific area, or a cluster scattered on different parts of the body, bruising appears with other symptoms, such as fatigue, nausea, or a high temperature. Pictures and symptoms of the red, scaly rash. If we combine this information with your protected We avoid using tertiary references. Excess AIcohoI intake is a common cause of bruising. 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. It may also result from pricking the skin to test your blood sugar or injecting insulin. 2017; 10.1016/j.jaad.2016.11.009. However, not all bruising has a simple explanation. These bruises are a little different. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 01/26/2023. Merck Manual Professional Version. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Elevation (raise your arms or legs above your heart). 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. People can prevent vitamin deficiencies by making dietary changes and taking supplements. Benabio J. WebSome people have sudden unexplained bruising or blood spots under the skin, or they may suddenly get bruises more often. National Institute on Aging. 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 ). Meanwhile, vitamin K deficiency can contribute to significant bleeding, poor bone development, and cardiovascular disease. Mayo Clinic Minute: Can you slow down age-related hearing loss? These Okra Health Benefits Will Make You Rethink This Summer Veggie. Vitamin K deficiency occurs due to a lack of fat in the diet or people with fat malabsorption. This is typically due to being active, playing sports, or moving quickly. In kidney disease, platelets do not work properly, causing easy bruising. Bruising In Children Extensive bruising secondary to vitamin C deficiency. Should I have blood tests to see if a condition is causing the bruises? Wrap the ice pack in a towel and apply ice for no more than 15 minutes at a time. Without treatment, these may increase in size, join together, and form larger bruises. They aid in the formation of red blood cells, help maintain mineral levels, and lower your cholesterol. Scurvy leads to poor wound healing, bleeding gums, and sudden onset of easy bruising. When this happens, you may notice that you bruise easily. In: Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 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? Hoffman R, et al. Although the specific protein involved in this disorder is different than the one associated with hemophilia A, the conditions share the same symptoms. 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. Know the symptoms and what to do if you experience them. Symptoms of anemia can be severe fatigue, dizziness, or shortness of breath, so watch out for these and see a doctor to get your iron levels tested if you think something's up. If you notice more frequent bruising, its important to talk with your healthcare professional so they can work with you to determine the cause. Even though theres blood pooling underneath your skin, you wont have any external bleeding unless your skin breaks open. ", National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: "Cirrhosis. Mayo Clinic Staff. What We Know. Bruises are common and usually disappear with time. No matter how careful you are, you'll probably still get them from time to time. 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. Most bruises are harmless and go away without treatment. Fraser IM, et al. Talk with your healthcare professional about any medications that may be causing you to bleed and bruise more easily. See your health care provider if you: Another serious cause of bruising is domestic violence or abuse. However, it should not appear in isolation and may appear 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC, an Internet Brands company. Someone with von Willebrand disease might notice large or lumpy bruises from minor, even unnoticeable, injuries. Clinical approach to the patient with bleeding or bruising. Talk to your health care provider about your concerns. Dr. Michael Sparacino answered. It also explains bruising in pregnancy and when to see a doctor. The progression of liver disease. Having a condition or receiving treatment that affects your blood platelet count (such as. When this happens, blood leaks out of the vessels and initially appears as a dark mark. Cases that dont respond may require other treatments such as immunosuppressive medications, IV IgG, platelet transfusion, etc. And other tests such as platelet coombs test, anti-platelet antibodies, etc. 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. All rights reserved. (2012). About 7% of US citizens are deficient in vitamin C (reference). Doctors will check a womans platelet levels throughout a pregnancy term, but bruising could be a symptom of gestational thrombocytopenia, which leads to a low platelet count. Keeping an eye out for other unusual symptoms may help you determine if theres an underlying cause. 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 Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, ketorolac, etc. This content does not have an English version. Why Do I Get Headache When it Rains? (2011). Most bruises fade away within two weeks without treatment. Instead, talk with your doctor about this issue. A person with kidney disease bruises easily due to a loss of skin elasticity. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Some medications may require a gradual reduction and careful monitoring. For example, cirrhosis is the result of continuous long-term damage, and bruising easily is a symptom. It can also occur if the red blood cells lack enough hemoglobin, the iron-rich component This will allow him/her to examine you, ask specific questions. Anticoagulants (blood thinners) and over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications like aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil), and naproxen (Aleve) affect your bloods ability to clot. Tiny reddish spots on the skin (purpura). Losing weight without Clopidogrel (Plavix) is commonly used in patients with ischemic heart disease. Random bruising: Is it serious? Causes, treatment, and The collection of blood makes a bruise visible. Here's what might be causing them and how theyre treated. Factor X deficiency is a condition where there isn't enough of the protein factor X in the blood, leading to uncontrolled bleeding. Vitamin C: Fact sheet for consumers. Aside from a physical exam to look at any bruises, your healthcare provider will likely ask you questions about your family medical history. Note that any significant bruising (more than five bruises) requires medical advice from your doctor. You may also notice it takes a long time for cuts or scrapes to get better. Easy bruising sometimes indicates a serious underlying condition, such as a blood-clotting problem or a blood disease. Complete blood count shows low platelet count (less than 150,000/CC); it is usually less than 40,000/CC. Bruising occurs when the repairs don't come quickly enough, resulting in a collection of blood outside of the vessels," explains Dr. Elliott. Vitamin K deficiency leads to defective blood coagulation, which results in bleeding tendency and sudden onset of easy bruising. (2018). Anyone who suspects liver or kidney disease should consult a doctor. 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 can help determine how your body responds to minor injuries in which capillaries burst and form bruises. How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0019483216300074, https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/bernard-soulier-syndrome, https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/bleeding-bruising, https://www.leukaemiacare.org.uk/support-and-information/latest-from-leukaemia-care/blog/spotting-the-difference-bruising-in-leukaemia-vs-ordinary-bruising/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6dC6woaY6gIV0u7tCh1REQm5EAAYASAAEgLGyPD_BwE, https://ashpublications.org/blood/article/130/21/2271/36666/Thrombocytopenia-in-pregnancy, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5394486/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK536983/, https://online.nursing.georgetown.edu/the-forensic-science-behind-bruise-healing-infographic/, https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/factor-v-deficiency, https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/6481/gardner-diamond-syndrome, https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/immune-thrombocytopenia, https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/632, https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/prednisolone/, https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/conditions-and-treatments/conditions-we-treat/septicaemia, https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/are-you-taking-too-much-anti-inflammatory-medication-2018040213540, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/anticoagulants/side-effects/, https://liverfoundation.org/for-patients/about-the-liver/the-progression-of-liver-disease/, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/septicemia, https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/vwd/facts.html, https://aakp.org/whats-causing-me-to-bruise-so-easily-and-what-i-do-to-prevent-it/, New clues to slow aging?
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