Women tend to bruise more easily than men. Most bruises form when small blood vessels (capillaries) near the skin's surface are broken by the impact of a blow or injury often on the arms or legs. This can be done by wearing protective gear while you play sports or engage in other physical activities that could lead to bruising. Bleeding disorders occur when the blood doesnt clot as it should. Bad bruises, also known as hematomas, can occur following a more serious injury. Thrombocytopenia. Treatingan associatedpsychological problem can often relieve the physical symptoms. Unexplained Bruising on Your Body: Causes and Treatments, Jenny Hills, Nutritionist and Medical Writer, why some people shouldnt take turmeric regularly, get relief from sunburn using natural remedies, Warning Signs That You Have Poor Blood Circulation, Seven Types of Pain You should Never Ignore, Top 10 Natural Remedies for Swollen Ankles, Legs and Feet. Unexplained Bruising on Legs: What You Need to Know - Healthline Sign Up for the Latest Health News and Tips, Home General Health Unexplained Bruising: Causes, Diabetes Connection & the Life-Cycle of a Bruise. Here's what might be causing them and how theyre treated. Medications that are used for rheumatoid arthritis can often lead to unexplained bruises. The possible benefits of medicine always need to be weighed against the potential side effects. Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere. The ultra violet rays of the sun can lead to bruises under the skin. If you suffer from diabetes, you may notice that you bruise easily and bruises last longer. If you are taking blood-thinning medications, you may find that even a slight knock on your leg or arm can easily cause bruising. Case study and clinical findings]. Chronic kidney disease. This is because women have more fragile blood vessels and may bruise more easily on their legs, upper arms, or buttocks. Its good to remember that in most cases the cause of unexplained bruising is nothing to worry about. Dr. William Blahd on WebMD says that if your parents bruised easily, there is a greater chance that random bruising will affect you as well.7. It's important toconsider whetherany medicine you're taking may be causing your symptoms for example,taking painkillers long term can lead to headaches. Why is my stomach bruising for no reason? Regular exercisewill help keep you fit andmany people find that it also boosts their mood(read about exercise for depression). As a result, hemophilia sufferers bleed longer and bruise easier. Laeknabladid. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. What causes unexplained bruising on the legs? - Medical News Today In rare cases, one of the following conditions may cause random bruising. Anticoagulants used for dialysis, as well as the anemia caused by kidney disease, can cause low platelet production. Anyone who suspects liver or kidney disease should consult a doctor. Bleeding under the skin may also present as pinprick-sized red or purple dots that resemble a rash. Serious liver disease can cause easy bruising because the liver cant produce enough blood clotting factors. A blunt trauma injury can cause your spleen to rupture. This is a type of cancer that affects your blood as well as your bone marrow. There is a connection between diabetes and unexplained bruising. Read our. This can lead to a decrease in blood flow, causing more strain on your blood cells and bruising for no reason, especially in the legs. There are signs that the bruise has become infected. Blood clot or bruise: Differences, symptoms, and contacting a doctor Random bruising: Is it serious? Causes, treatment, and prevention Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. (2016). Bleeding Disorders, American Society of Hematology; http://www.hematology.org/Patients/Bleeding.aspx, last accessed August 28, 2017. However, unexplained bruising by itself isnt the only symptom of a bleeding disorder. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. If you notice that you have bruising after working out that is unexplained or the result of an injury, you should follow the RICE method to help the bruise heal quicker. When blood isnt clotting like it should, bleeding can be heavier or longer than normal. Peripheral vascular disease or PVD is a disorder that can cause the blood vessels outside of your heart and brain to narrow, block, or spasm. Thrombophilia means that your blood has an increased tendency to clot. Harvard Health Publishing Harvard Medical School. Experts say prevention programs are needed. Aging also leads to easier bruising. Ecchymosis, which occurs when blood leaks from a broken capillary into surrounding tissue, is common and requires a preventive treatment plan. Bruising often occurs when blood vessels beneath the skin incur. For example, a person may have fairer skin and more fragile blood vessels, two factors that can make bruises develop more easily and appear darker in color. Dr. Charles Silberberg, says that a person with advanced kidney disease may also have drowsiness, numbness in hands and feet, breath odor, blood in the stool, and/or vomiting in the mornings.19, Some cancer treatments can affect blood platelets causing easy bruising and bleeding that is difficult to stop. The bumps usually heal on their own within 3 to 8 weeks without leaving a scar. She is an assistant clinical professor of family medicine at Quinnipiac University and works in private practice in Hartford, Connecticut. Common Causes of Unexplained Bruising | Buoy The syndrome causes easy bruising because it can lead to thinning skin. A ruptured Achilles tendon is not uncommon for athletes and can cause a great deal of pain. Read More Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and targeted therapy, may also lead to bruising. If you notice abnormal bleeding under your skin after a sunburn, you should call your doctor for a checkup.9. Some people may be more susceptible to random bruising than others, and depending on the circumstance, you may want to see a healthcare professional. It is known for being able to keep blood inside a blood vessel, even after an injury has occurred. This is due to weakening blood vessels that are more prone to breakage even with slight injury to the area. MacDonald E, Price V, Ramsey S, McLaughlin R. A 15-year-old boy with anemia and leg bruising. What Do Your PT/INR and PTT Results Mean? Von Willebrand disease is a bleeding disorder similar to hemophilia as it also causes the body to be unable to make one of the proteins that are a key part of the blood-clotting process. I have already mentioned these natural treatments for bruises that are backed by scientific evidence. If it doesn't resolve on it's own, see your family doctor. People who have hemophilia A are missing an important clotting factor, factor VIII, resulting in excessive bleeding and bruising. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. American Diabetes Association. (2011). However, bruises arent typically something to worry about, and they tend to heal on their own in a few days or weeks. Although your stomach and back can be. Bruising in pregnancy. Not understanding the causecan make them even more distressing and difficult to cope with. Your doctor may recommend controlling diabetes with diet or prescribe you medication. A fresh bruise will usually appear red, blue, or purple. Consuming certain nutrients may help reduce your risk. These unexplained bruises can be the result of many factors ranging from the simple effects of aging to the warning signs of disease. Also known as blood poisoning, sepsis requires immediate emergency treatment. Petechiae, When to Worry: Causes, Symptoms, and More - Healthline Amitrano, L. et al., Coagulation disorders in liver disease, Seminars in Liver Disease, February 2002; 22(1): 83-96. But, the simpler explanations may surprise you. A person with kidney disease bruises easily due to a loss of skin elasticity. American Society of Hematology. Bruising for no reason can be explained and treated. 2004-2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. A lack of vitamin C allows weakens the blood vessels and causes the body to bruise easier. Some viral infections can cause a condition called thrombocytopenia that affects blood clotting. Bruises, eMedicine Health; http://www.emedicinehealth.com/bruises/article_em.htm, last accessed August 28, 2017. Iron: Iron is vital for healthy blood cells. Unexplained Bruising: 11 Causes, Diabetes Connection & Life-Cycle of a Skin manifestations of Cushing's syndrome. Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease where the bodys immune system attacks its own tissues and organs. Some medications can lead to easy or random bruising because of how they affect the body. Maybe more thatn the flu. Pelvic fractures are typically the result of high impact injuries. Dyer JM, Miller RA. Many people have persistent physical complaints, such as dizziness or pain, that don't appear to be symptoms of a medical condition. There may be a blood clotting issue or another underlying condition that needs treatment. what is this and the cause ? Tannins can help contract the blood vessels which in turn can help heal a bruise quicker. When blood doesnt clot quickly, more of it pools beneath the skin and forms a bruise. Possible causes of medically unexplained symptoms The National Hemophilia Foundation. Health A-Z NHS services Live Well Mental health Care and support Pregnancy . Easy bruising: Why does it happen? - Mayo Clinic They can make a diagnosis, if needed, and advise you on next steps. Internal Bleeding: Signs, Symptoms, and Complications - Verywell Health This essential oil mixture works rather well if it is applied right after a round of ice or cold therapy. Managing stressis very important because it's been linked to problems such as pain and IBS. If NHL spreads to the bone marrow, it can reduce the number of blood cells in your body. Some studies suggest that certain dietary supplements such as fish oil, garlic, and ginseng may also be factors in bleeding and bruising. Here Are Six Possible Reasons Why You Have Them, Medical Daily, March 10, 2016; http://www.medicaldaily.com/unexplained-bruising-contusions-377238, last accessed August 28, 2017. Medications can also hinder the blood clotting process and inhibit platelet function. It can cause excessive bleeding which leads to easy bruising. doi:10.1097/PEC.0000000000001083. Unexplained Bruising Causes in Older Adults, Bruises Are Rarely Something to Worry About, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/bruises, http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/side-effects/bruising.aspx, http://www.medicaldaily.com/unexplained-bruising-contusions-377238, http://www.healthyandnaturalworld.com/get-rid-of-bruises/, http://www.emedicinehealth.com/bruises/article_em.htm, http://www.hematology.org/Patients/Bleeding.aspx, https://www.symptomfind.com/health/changing-colors-bruises-and-what-they-mean/, 1 ounce dried of comfrey leaves (or 2 ounces of fresh leaves) finely chopped. This may result from an uptick in your bodys natural cortisol production or overuse of corticosteroid medications. But first, we need to look at the different types of bruises and what causes them. Other symptoms of iron deficiency include: Although rare in healthy adults, vitamin K deficiencies can slow the rate at which blood clots. Finally, the hemoglobin will break down and release a chemical called bilirubin, which will cause the bruise to turn yellow. Diabetes is a metabolic condition that affects your bodys ability to produce or use insulin. From unexplained weight loss to sudden flashes of light, take note of important symptoms, and know when to seek medical care. Bruises look like big purple spots with clear edges, and you're younger than 65. Also runners or joggers toenail is one of the most common reasons for bruised toenails as the toe pushes against the front of the shoe while running or jogging. Ehlers-Danlos-heilkenni af gerd IV. Skin discoloration (red to purple, black, brown or yellow). A hematoma tends to be the result of a greater trauma than ecchymosis. 2012;98(6):355-359. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? When this happens, blood leaks out of the vessels and initially appears as a dark mark. Learn how we can help. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. Last medically reviewed on June 28, 2020, A bruise usually results from a blow to the body. Bruises range in size, shape and color depending on the type of bruise, cause and location. 2016;93(4). What Are These Tiny Red Spots on My Skin (Petechiae)? Why do I bruise more easily as I age? These spots, called purpura, are common in older adults but may be a sign of inflamed blood vessels in younger people. Supplements like ginkgo biloba, ginger, turmeric, and St. Johns Wort also carry similar blood thinning issues. Bleeding and bruising. However, medicine isn't always the answer painkillers or sedatives, for example,may lead to dependence. WebMD. One health issue that can arise from a lack of nutrients is unexplained bruising. Other symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer are painful breasts that suddenly swell, itching, and nipple changes or discharge.21, Another type of cancer that can cause easy bruising is leukemia. I have a small bruising on my stomach with a small lump under it. ? (n.d.). Vitamin K is one of the nutrients that help blood to clot. Management typically involves psychiatric treatment. Vitamin K deficiency. The National Hemophilia Foundation says that along with excessive bruising, hemophiliacs usually have unexplained nosebleeds, extended bleeding from minor cuts and scrapes, and women may have very heavy menstrual periods.8. So, this makes it easier for the body to bruise. Chemotherapy, for example, can cause changes to the blood platelets, making them easier to strain and break, causing bruising. Diseases like cancer and diabetes, as well as other medical conditions, become more prevalent as we get older. (2009). For example, hemophilia and Willebrand disease affect the bloods ability to clot and can cause bleeding and excessive bruising resulting in black or dark skin patches. Viral infections can also cause random bruising on legs that is unexplained. This occurs in 4.4% to 11.6% of pregnancies. Type 1 diabetes: symptoms. Unexplained bruising causes in older adults is really the culmination of numerous factors that tend to occur once you get older and begin to reach elderly status. Mayo Clinic Staff. Certain health conditions, medications, and even inherited disorders can cause random bruising. They may prescribe iron tablets or other medication as well as help you modify your diet to meet your nutritional needs. 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. I have a bruise on the bottom left side of my stomach. Discuss with your doctor, you need some blood test Spontaneous signs of bruising(ecchymoses) can occur after taking aspirin or Aleve (naproxen) or with certain blood or liver disorders. What's causing me to bruise so easily and what I do to prevent it? Random or unexplained bruising on legs can happen for a number of reasons. You might have many of these remediessuch as tea bags and aloe vera right at your fingertips. Thats because your body needs iron to keep your blood cells healthy. Researchers are expressing concerns over the number of bicycle accidents involving drugs. Please note, we cannot prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other abusable medications. Ibuprofen (oral route). Angelica Bottaro is a writer with expertise in many facets of health including chronic disease, Lyme disease, nutrition as medicine, and supplementation. Vitamin deficiencies of various sorts can lead to unexplained bruises. After 24 hours have passed, try using a heat pack to get the circulation flowing and relax the muscle area around the bruise. (2017). what would cause this? According to the NHS website and WebMD, you should see your doctor if you have unexplained bruising along with any of the following symptoms:23, 24. Bruises and blood spots under the skin. Although diabetes itself doesnt cause bruising, it can slow your healing time and allow bruises to linger longer than normal. See a doctor or other healthcare provider right away if you experience any of the following: Last medically reviewed on November 9, 2018. NHS. 2019;35(4):e70-e71. However, it should not appear in isolation and may appear alongside fatigue, appetite loss, abdominal pain, and nausea. Certain medications make you more susceptible to bruising. This inflammations natural side effect is unexplained bruises. Other medical conditions like HIV, aplastic anemia, or leukemia can also affect blood platelets making it more difficult for blood to clot and lead to unexplained bruising.14. (2017). People with this condition bruise easily, with bleeding from small blood vessels under the skin. They can vary in color, and skin color may affect the appearance of a bruise. Bruises happen when an injury causes blood to leak into the skin. Vasculitis is an autoimmune disease that causes the inflammation of the blood vessels themselves. Symptoms of a bruise include: Pain or tenderness (sore feeling) when you touch the bruise. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Oftentimes, you can reduce your risk for future bruising by making sure youre getting the right nutrients in your diet. If you arent getting enough vitamin C, your skin may begin to bruise easily, resulting in random bruising. Vitamins perform many important functions in your blood. Search. Widespread bruising or petechial rash would be concernin Dr. John Munshower and another doctor agree. Cines, D. B., & Levine, L. D. (2017). A 15-year-old boy with anemia and leg bruising. What causes unexplained bruising? When a person bruises easily, this can lead to random and unexplained bruises from everyday activities that would typically not cause bruising. Without enough platelets, the blood has trouble clotting. You can read about these treatments in my article on how to get rid of bruises naturally. It is the result of blood from damaged blood cells that are deep beneath the skin and collect near the skins surface. Black eye - NHS This is a type of cancer that begins in lymphocyte cells, which are immune cells designed to aid in the fight against pathogens. Other symptoms of vitamin K deficiency include: If you suspect that your bruising is a result of deficiency, see a healthcare provider. WebMD. She has been educated in both psychology and journalism, and her dual education has given her the research and writing skills needed to deliver sound and engaging content in the health space. any help? Apply a warm, wet tea bag to the bruise two or three times a day for best results. But if you have a something on the horizon where a bruise might be a drawback, you may want to know how to heal a bruise a little bit quicker. Read on to learn more about unexplained bruising, what causes it, and when to seek medical attention. Usually, these diseases are accompanied by other symptoms and random bruising occurs in the later stages of the disease. Cancer - Signs and symptoms - NHS Before taking any supplements that thin the blood, you should speak to your health care provider if you are already taking medication to prevent blood clots.
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