Do You Bruise Easy? Here's What It Could Mean
Virtually anything that puts pressure on your skin can cause a bruise. Typically, you'll experience a bruise following a fall or a blow to your skin, but you might also find bruises on your skin seemingly for no reason at all.
While bruising easily isn't always a sign of something serious, it's important to know what a bruise actually is and the potential causes of easy bruising so that you can be on the lookout for any significant changes in your health and wellness, and determine if your bruising is something you should talk to your doctor about.
What Is A Bruise?
The circular, often tender or painful discoloration on your skin that we call a bruise is the result of tiny blood vessels breaking underneath your skin after being bumped or hit. However, because the blood has nowhere to go, it gets caught under your skin, according to the National Library of Medicine.
This trapped blood is the discoloration that you see and refer to as a bruise.
Over the next few weeks, your body will naturally break down the blood and absorb it. This process, which can take months to complete, causes the bruise to fade and change colors.
If you'd like to help alleviate any swelling or pain, you can try applying ice or a cold pack wrapped in a cloth to the impacted area of your skin. This may also help minimize the discoloration.
Why Do You Bruise Easily?
Everyone bruises, and while there is a common and simple cause for a lot of bruises, if you bruise very often or more easily than others, it can be a sign of something more serious.
Some signs you may bruise more easily than others include:
- Discovering many bruises and not remembering the cause
- Large, painful bruises after minor bumps and injuries
- Having bruises often that take multiple weeks to heal
Most often, the cause of bruising is due to age because our blood vessels weaken and our skin becomes thinner over time. Additionally, bruising easily could also be genetic and run in your family.
Other reasons you may be bruising easily include:
Medications: Blood thinners and medications that change the behavior of your blood vessels can cause you to bruise more easily. Before starting any new medications, whether prescribed or over the counter, you should discuss with your doctor any potential side effects.
Liver Disease: Cirrhosis and other liver conditions can affect the way your blood clots, which can lead to more bruising and an increased risk of bleeding. Alcohol consumption is a leading factor in liver disease, but cancer and other health issues can lead to liver disease as well.
Blood Conditions: Certain disorders can impact how well your blood clots and lead to more bruising. These conditions include Von Willebrand's Disease and hemophilia.
Vitamin Deficiencies: There are certain vitamins that help your blood clot and allow your body to heal. Vitamin C helps your body create collagen, which is an important part of the structure of blood vessels. Vitamin K also helps the body form clots.
Most bruising fades over time and doesn't require treatment. If you notice a sudden change in the severity or how often bruising occurs, you should contact your primary care provider. Also, if you have additional symptoms like fever, fatigue or skin changes, you should consult your doctor.
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