Remove household hazards that you can trip over or bump into. But it could also be a harmless Platelets stop bleeding within your body to heal your bruise. Should I have blood tests to see if a condition is causing the bruises? American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. If we combine this information with your protected Both of these things mean you get more bruises. As a result, bleeding from damage to small blood vessels near the skin's surface might take longer than usual to stop. As you age, your skin gets thinner and loses the protective layer of fat that acts as a cushion when you bump into something. Theyll want to rule out certain conditions that may require treatment. The ICD-10-CM code for ecchymosis is R58. Vitamin C is essential to healing and collagen formation, and when youre not getting enough of it, you may start Medications such as anticoagulants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroids reduce the bloods ability to clot. Broken blood vessels on the face can happen to anyone at any age. Most bruises are harmless and go away without treatment. Learn more here. More severe bruises might need treatment. People who have cancers in parts of the body responsible for blood production, like the liver, may also experience unusual clotting. Certain medications may contribute to easy bruising by decreasing the blood's ability to clot. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/muscle-contusion-bruise. Swelling or a raised bump on your skin (hematoma). Improve your sense of balance by practicing. What's causing me to bruise so easily and what I do to prevent it? You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on 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. 16. The following are some possible causes of random bruising. This allows enough blood to leak out under the skin to cause a bruise. Try to eat foods containing. Other symptoms of a vitamin C deficiency include: You may begin to bruise easily if you arent getting enough iron. Rarely, serious bleeding from the gut tract (black stool, vomiting of blood) may occur. However, It is not a serious disease, and the incidence of complications is rare. 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? the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. This includes the joints, skin, and blood vessel walls. (2009). Bruises form a mark on your skin that ranges in color from black, blue, purple, brown or yellow. It might help to elevate the affected area and apply ice. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Vitamin C deficiency. Other symptoms of iron deficiency include: Although rare in healthy adults, vitamin K deficiencies can slow the rate at which blood clots. Dr. Allison Greco answered. However, if you bruise easily, you have unexplained bruising, or the bruising is accompanied by Corticosteroids (affect collagen fibers in the wall of the blood vessels). Signs and symptoms of spontaneous bleeding include: Unexplained and excessive bleeding from cuts or injuries, or after surgery or dental work. Is this cause for concern? information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with What We Know. The bruises appear in unusual places, such as the face, buttocks, ears, chest, and head. We avoid using tertiary references. Learn about how to get. Certain dietary supplements, such as ginkgo biloba, also can increase bruising risk due to a blood-thinning effect. 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. If you arent getting enough vitamin C, your skin may begin to bruise easily, resulting in random bruising. They may also order blood tests to measure your platelet levels and the time it takes your blood to clot. Symptoms of an Achilles tendon rupture are hard to ignore. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. They aren't caused by bumping into something, they don't usually feel tender when you touch them, and they take longer to heal. In: Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which Other common symptoms of a bleeding disorder include: Sepsis is an infection that causes a buildup of toxins in the blood or tissues. These Okra Health Benefits Will Make You Rethink This Summer Veggie. The majority of cases will resolve spontaneously without a need for treatment. In: Goldman-Cecil Medicine. This can help determine how your body responds to minor injuries in which capillaries burst and form bruises. 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. However, taking anticoagulants and antibiotics that interfere with vitamin K production may cause deficiencies. This may result in blood leaking from vessels and accumulating under the skin. If you notice this happening, don't stop taking your medication, but do talk to your doctor about it. Aging As you age, your skin gets thinner and you lose some of the protective fat that cushions your blood vessels FYI, people with heavy periods and those who are pregnant or breastfeeding are more prone to an iron deficiency, according to the American Society of Hematology. Nosebleeds without a known cause. Merck Manual Professional Version. Cases that dont respond may require other treatments such as immunosuppressive medications, IV IgG, platelet transfusion, etc. You probably know throwing back shots or chugging beers on the regular can damage your liver. Vitamin K deficiency occurs due to a lack of fat in the diet or people with fat malabsorption. Anticoagulant activity of select dietary supplements. ", University of Maryland Medical Center: "Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid).". 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. But if you often drink a lot of alcohol and you tend to bruise easily, it may mean you've got liver problems. In kidney disease, platelets do not work properly, causing easy bruising. 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. 7th ed. This will allow him/her to examine you, ask specific questions. 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. It is impossible to completely prevent bruising. Vitamin C: Fact sheet for consumers. "If your symptoms arise out of the blue, as in you never had issues before and then suddenly you start bleeding easily, it's important to seek medical attention," she explains. (2016). Skin care and aging. 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. Call your doctor to get a diagnosis if you think ITP is the cause of sudden easy bruising. Even though theres blood pooling underneath your skin, you wont have any external bleeding unless your skin breaks open. You may bruise more easily while taking certain medications, including blood thinners or steroids. Bruising easily can have a wide range of possible underlying causes, including blood-clotting problems or a blood disease. Keeping floors and rooms clear of tripping hazards. Oftentimes, you can reduce your risk for future bruising by making sure you're getting the right. Bruising occurs when the repairs don't come quickly enough, resulting in a collection of blood outside of the vessels," explains Dr. Elliott. 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. Others include Apixaban (Eliquis), Dabigatran, Enoxaparin, Heparin, and others. Individuals with food allergies and restrictive diets. (2017). (2016). See a doctor or other healthcare provider right away if you experience any of the following: Last medically reviewed on November 9, 2018. 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. When blood leaks out of surrounding vessels, it leaves that purple-ish spot. 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. Extensive bruising secondary to vitamin C deficiency. Try to avoid looking at your phone or being distracted when youre walking. They may appear red or purplish at first. Disseminated intravascular coagulation is a rare, life threatening condition. 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. This may result from an uptick in your bodys natural cortisol production or overuse of corticosteroid medications. The most common causes of bruising easily all of a sudden are low platelet (such as immune thrombocytopenia), blood-thining medications, and vitamin However, the occasional bruise or a bruise due to an accident, typically isnt a cause for concern. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 01/26/2023. Some conditions can make it harder for your blood to clot. People who take blood thinners bruise more easily. Accessed March 14, 2022. Signs and symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Certain medications such as aspirin, anticoagulants, antibiotics, corticosteroids, and diuretics can make you more prone to skin problems like dryness and bruising. Gurnee EA, et al. Some supplements, like fish oil and ginkgo, can do it too. Two distinct types of ITP present (reference): Chronic ITP may pass through periods of remission and relapse for years. (2018). 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 the condition worsens, the areas get more extensive and look like bruises. Find out about the side effects of medications you take. 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. If youve recently overdone it at the gym, you may develop bruises around the affected muscles. Easy bruising. The most common cause of vitamin C deficiency is decreased intake as with: Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting. Adults: will require treatment if platelets are below 40,000/CC. Approach to the patient with bleeding and thrombosis. If you develop a blood clot, your doctor will probably test you for thrombophilia and may put you on blood thinners (anticoagulants). About 7% of US citizens are deficient in vitamin C (reference). Eden, R. E., & Coviello, J. M. (2020). Note that any significant bruising (more than five bruises) requires medical advice from your doctor. Vitamin C is found in: Profund vitamin C deficiency results in a condition called (scurvy), which is rare nowadays. Also, some medications (such as warfarin) may interact with other foods or medications and cause bruising without recent changes in the dose. Tiny reddish spots on the skin (purpura). 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. Management typically involves psychiatric treatment. Your provider can further identify what type of ecchymosis you have based on your symptoms. When the liver is damaged, it stops producing the proteins required for blood clotting. Accessed March 14, 2022. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. Thrombocytopenia in pregnancy. "[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. A person with kidney disease bruises easily due to a loss of skin elasticity. 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. Randomly bruising easily? Easy bruising is common with age. It may also be an indication of a vitamin deficiency, or a deficiency in the compounds needed for blood clotting. Everyone gets a few black-and-blue bruises every now and then who doesn't have routine run-ins with their desk or bed frame? Next, read what you need to know about bruising easily (anemia isn't always the answer, BTW). 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. 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. When this happens, you may notice that you bruise easily. 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 What causes me to bruise easily all of a sudden? 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 ). Ecchymosis (pronounced eh-chuh-mow-sis) is the medical term for a bruise. Healthcare professionals are required by law to ask you questions to make sure youre safe in your domestic situation. People older than 65 years are more likely to bruise, along with women and people assigned female at birth. ), 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. Skin in older adults is generally thinner, which can increase your risk of bruising. Whenever this blood gets trapped under the surface of the skin, it will form a bruise. Some medical conditions that can cause easy bruising include: While the occasional bruise isnt a cause for concern, easy bruising could be. WebSome people have sudden unexplained bruising or blood spots under the skin, or they may suddenly get bruises more often. Unexplained bruises could be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Having a vitamin C or vitamin K deficiency. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. 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. Sporadic bruising usually isnt cause for worry. other information we have about you. Wear protective gear when youre exercising. It is a rare condition that mostly affects males. Have your vision and hearing tested. Pelvic fractures are typically the result of high impact injuries. Without enough platelets, the blood has trouble clotting. 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. Here's what might be causing them and how theyre treated. Frequent bruising may also be a sign of (2016). Pain, swelling or tightness in your joints. Moving furniture away from doorways and walkways to avoid bumping into hard surfaces. Learn, If left untreated, a blood clot can reach your organs and cause potentially life threatening conditions, such as pulmonary embolism, stroke, or a. Some types of medication can interfere with your bodys ability to form blood clots, which can increase your risk of bruising easily. 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. Erickson, F. (2014). 5 Causes. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could 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. Arrange furniture and electrical cords so that they're not in your way when you walk. Get your vision tested to make sure you can see clearly enough to avoid any obstacles that could injure you. (n.d.). Fall-proofing your home. Certain types of bruises, such as hematomas, may require medical attention. Hydrocolloid bandages are used to treat open, superficial wounds and open pimples. Bruises usually arent a cause for concern. They usually heal without treatment, but home remedies for bruises may be, Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. First, don't panic. Thats because your body needs iron to keep your blood cells healthy. Easy bruising can occur when the blood vessels are weakened by diseases (such as scurvy), medications (such as aspirin, prednisone, and prednisolone), and aging. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. 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. If you're on a blood thinner such as Plavix or Coumadin, you might notice you're bruising more easily than before starting the medication. UW Health. An approach to investigation of easy bruising. Cushing syndrome causes the skin to thin, resulting in easy bruising. 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). You can take these steps to lower your risk of injury and bruising by: Bruises can be unsightly, but most bruises fade without treatment. 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. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of However, if a bruise persists, changes in size, or looks unusual, there may be an underlying condition or other factors. The progression of liver disease. Symptoms of a bruise include: Pain or tenderness (sore feeling) when you Anecdotal reports are surfacing that some people are developing tinnitus days after receiving one of the COVID vaccines. (2015). Vitamins perform many important functions in your blood. Applying ice soon after an injury can minimize bruising. 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. In this article well take a closer look at what can cause you to bruise easily and when its important to see your doctor. If diabetes has already been diagnosed, your bruising may simply be a result of slow wound healing. An increase in bruising can be a side effect of some medications, especially blood thinners, NSAIDS, and steroids. Selective Serotonin Reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine (Prozac), Citalopram (Cipramil), and others. Taking medications to thin blood or stop clotting, such as aspirin or blood thinners. The result of extreme vitamin C deficiency is scurvy, which also leads to bleeding gums, fingernail and tooth loss, and heart failure. Get rid of clutter and cords that may cause you to stumble or fall. 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. Platelets are cells that help the blood to clot and stop bleeding. That's because over time, the sun slowly weakens your skin and the tiny blood vessels underneath it. "The more physically active you are, the more likely you are to bruise or bleed," says Dr. Elliott. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Steroids and anti-depressants can also make you bruise more easily. Bleeding into the skin may cause only discoloration, or the spot may be swollen and tender to the touch. When your blood takes longer to clot, more of it leaks from your blood vessels and accumulates under your skin. You don't recall bumping into anything, but lately you seem to be bruising frequently. 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. AIcohoI-induced bone marrow suppression leads to easy bruising all of a sudden when the platelets drop below a certain number. You might also get bruises more often if you have issues with your platelets or those cells involved in the blood vessel healing process. If you take aspirin or a blood thinner, don't be surprised by the occasional black-and-blue mark. (2018). 2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK. In some cases, random bruising may be associated with one of the following less common causes. Watch where youre walking. You can apply heat several times throughout the day. Applying ice packs for the first 24 to 48 hours after injury. Talk with your healthcare professional about any medications that may be causing you to bleed and bruise more easily. Here are 10 easy treatments to lessen the pain and reduce the visibility. It can be hard to know when to seek medical care. Several causes: This is a problem that necessitates a face-to-face meeting with your doctor. See your health care provider if you: Another serious cause of bruising is domestic violence or abuse. Accessed March 14, 2022. Poor people (lack of fruits and vegetables in the diet). Although the specific protein involved in this disorder is different than the one associated with hemophilia A, the conditions share the same symptoms. However, if the discoloration does not heal within a few weeks, it is worth talking to a doctor. Some antibiotics and antidepressants also might be associated with clotting problems. Regular aspirin use (say, if you're taking it daily to reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke) can lead to more bruising for reasons similar to blood thinners, cautions Dr. Vyas. 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. People who have hemophilia A are missing an important clotting factor, factor VIII, resulting in excessive bleeding and bruising. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Ecchymosis, which occurs when blood leaks from a broken capillary into surrounding tissue, is common and requires a preventive treatment plan. 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. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. Here are 8 possible reasons you bruise so easily. Meanwhile, vitamin K deficiency can contribute to significant bleeding, poor bone development, and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, you're more prone to frequent bruising, says Dr. Elliott. 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. Headaches come in lots of varieties, and some are easily recognizable. Yet another tender bruise. 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 that dont go away, or bruises that occur for no apparent, Sporadic bruising usually isn't cause for worry. Ibuprofen (oral route). In addition, AIcohoI can damage the bone marrow (which is responsible for manufacturing blood cells and platelets). Are you taking too much anti-inflammatory medication? Has an estimated prevalence of 1 in 15,00020,000 and is generally inherited as an autosomal dominant condition. If you have a darker skin tone, you may notice purple, dark brown or black bruising. They include anti-platelet medications that inhibit clotting cells called platelets, loke aspirin and Plavix. What causes them, and what you can do about them. 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. ", National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: "Cirrhosis. Accessed March 14, 2022. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Here are 10 easy treatments to lessen the pain and reduce the visibility. Achenbach syndrome, also known as paroxysmal finger hematoma and blue finger, causes spontaneous bruising on one or more of the fingers. They can vary in color, and skin color may affect the appearance of a bruise. It may seem scary, but if you feel fine and don't have any other symptoms, it's probably nothing to worry about. Most often, a ruptured spleen is caused by blunt force trauma. Most bruises eventually disappear as the body reabsorbs the blood, although healing might take longer as you age. This could indicate a serious condition that needs immediate attention. Learn more about these serious fractures, how theyre treated, and what to expect. An injury or physical trauma to your body. Bruises that take longer than usual to disappear are another concern. Bruises happen when an injury causes blood to leak into the skin. To avoid bruises, crack down on clutter at home and always wear protective gear when you exercise or play sports. Side effects: Anticoagulant medicines. Learn more. As the area heals, the bruise may turn a lighter shade of brown, green or yellow.