Easy bruising is a medical emergency if there is a large, massive bruise that appears to be continuously bleeding under the skin. Injuries to organs are also an emergency, so a person should go to the emergency room if they sustain a hard blow to the back, chest, or stomach, if a bruise is very painful, or if it is unusually black or swollen.
People should consult a doctor about easy bruising if:. In most cases, easy bruising is a minor inconvenience that is due either to genetic factors or a minor medical condition. However, bruising can also be an early warning sign that something is wrong with the organs or blood vessels. Therefore, it is best not to ignore a change in bruising pattern and to err on the side of seeing a doctor. Different skin types require different skin care products.
Read on to learn more about the best skin care products for each skin type. A look at crepey skin, a common complaint where the skin looks thin and wrinkled.
Learn more about how to prevent and treat this condition. Sebaceous hyperplasia causes small, inflamed bumps to appear on the skin. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options in this article. What to know about bruising easily Medically reviewed by J. Keith Fisher, M. Causes When to see a doctor Outlook A bruise occurs when blood becomes trapped under the skin, usually because of an impact that damages a tiny blood vessel.
Share on Pinterest As a person ages, they tend to bruise more easily. When to see a doctor. Share on Pinterest A person should consult a doctor if they begin bruising more easily than before.
Medically reviewed by J. Latest news Could 'cupping' technique boost vaccine delivery? Scientists identify new cause of vascular injury in type 2 diabetes. You turn and stub your toe on the door or you hit your arm on the corner of the counter as you navigate through the kitchen.
A bruise usually appears when blood gets trapped under the skin, and this usually happens because of an impact, such as bumping your arm or leg, that damages a tiny blood vessel. But, sometimes you spot a bruise and wonder what causes you to bruise easily. Vitamin C is for more than keeping colds away; it is also essential to help your body heal.
Some medicines can cause bruising by decreasing blood clotting. These include over-the-counter medicines such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen , aspirin, and blood thinners. Antibiotics can also cause clotting issues.
Corticosteroids, used for allergies, eczema, and asthma, can cause you to bruise more easily. Some anti-depressants also have blood-thinning properties.
As you get older, your skin also becomes thinner and loses some of the protective fatty layer that helps cushion your blood vessels from injury. Aspirin, anticoagulant medications and anti-platelet agents reduce your blood's ability to clot. Antibiotics might also be associated with clotting problems. As a result, bleeding from capillary damage might take longer than usual to stop — which allows enough blood to leak out to cause a bigger bruise.
Topical and systemic corticosteroids — which can be used to treat various conditions, including allergies, asthma and eczema — cause your skin to thin, making it easier to bruise. Certain dietary supplements, such as ginkgo, also can increase your bruising risk due to a blood-thinning effect.
If you experience increased bruising, don't stop taking your medications. Talk to your doctor about your concerns. Also, make sure your doctor is aware of any supplements you're taking — especially if you're taking them while on a blood-thinning drug. Your doctor might recommend avoiding certain over-the-counter medications or supplements. Easy bruising sometimes indicates a serious underlying condition, such as a blood-clotting problem or a blood disease.
See your doctor if you:. To find the cause of your bruising, your doctor might check your blood platelet levels or do tests that measure the time it takes your blood to clot. Other serious causes of bruising include domestic violence or abuse. If a loved one has an unexplainable bruise, particularly in an unusual location such as on the face, be aware of the possibility of abuse. Unfortunately, once a bruise has formed, not much can be done to treat it.
Most bruises eventually disappear as your body reabsorbs the blood, although healing might take longer as you age. It might help to elevate the affected area and apply ice. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health.
Certain medications make you more susceptible to bruising. When your blood takes longer to clot, more of it leaks from your blood vessels and accumulates under your skin. If you suspect that your bruising is a result of OTC or prescription medication use, see a doctor. They can advise you on any next steps. Vitamins perform many important functions in your blood. They aid in the formation of red blood cells, help maintain mineral levels, and lower your cholesterol.
Vitamin C, for example, supports your immune system and aids in wound healing. Other symptoms of a vitamin C deficiency include:. This may make your skin more susceptible to bruising.
Although rare in healthy adults, vitamin K deficiencies can slow the rate at which blood clots. Other symptoms of vitamin K deficiency include:. If you suspect that your bruising is a result of deficiency, see a healthcare provider. They may prescribe iron tablets or other medication — as well as help you modify your diet — to meet your nutritional needs.
They can make a diagnosis, if needed, and advise you on next steps. If diabetes has already been diagnosed, your bruising may simply be a result of slow wound healing. It may also result from pricking the skin to test your blood sugar or injecting insulin. People with von Willebrand disease are born with the condition, but may not develop symptoms until later in life.
This bleeding disorder is a lifelong condition. Whenever this blood gets trapped under the surface of the skin, it will form a bruise. Someone with von Willebrand disease might notice large or lumpy bruises from minor, even unnoticeable, injuries.
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