Sometimes, bruising is a sign of a more serious issue, so talk to a healthcare provider if you experience unexplained or large bruises. Get your vision tested to make sure you can see clearly enough to avoid any obstacles that could injure you. (. WebBruises range in size, shape and color depending on the type of bruise, cause and location. All rights reserved. Remove household hazards that you can trip over or bump into. They can advise you on any next steps. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of All rights reserved. Someone with von Willebrand disease might notice large or lumpy bruises from minor, even unnoticeable, injuries. And other tests such as platelet coombs test, anti-platelet antibodies, etc. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? 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. It causes suppression of the bone marrow. With exercise, you risk more forceful physical contact whether that's a hard-hitting connection with a weight, another class goer, or the ground (clumsy in HIIT class, anyone?) Mayo Clinic Staff. Some antibiotics and antidepressants also might be associated with clotting problems. You probably know throwing back shots or chugging beers on the regular can damage your liver. Blood-thinning medications are important because they can help decrease the chances of developing a blood clot in the heart or elsewhere in the body those with heart conditions or who previously had a stroke likely need them to avoid a serious setback but they also make you more prone to bruising, explains Dr. Elliott. In: Goldman-Cecil Medicine. (n.d.). Other possible causes of bruising include: A blunt trauma injury can cause your spleen to rupture. Bruising can happen more easily if a person uses certain medications or has a health condition or. That will make you feel better and keep the bruise from getting bigger. May occur following a lack of fresh fruit and vegetables over prolonged periods of time. For example, cirrhosis is the result of continuous long-term damage, and bruising easily is a symptom. People with this condition bruise easily, with bleeding from small blood vessels under the skin. It is rare in adults, generally occurring in the neonatal period. National Institute on Aging. People older than 65 years are more likely to bruise, along with women and people assigned female at birth. Your provider might also check your blood platelet levels or do tests that measure the time it takes your blood to clot. About 7% of US citizens are deficient in vitamin C (reference). Should I look out for signs of complications? Your provider might tell you to avoid certain nonprescription medications or supplements. They aid in the formation of red blood cells, help maintain mineral levels, and lower your cholesterol. Learn, If left untreated, a blood clot can reach your organs and cause potentially life threatening conditions, such as pulmonary embolism, stroke, or a. Most of us get bruises from bumping into objects from time to time. The majority of cases will resolve spontaneously without a need for treatment. Watch where youre walking. The platelets appear abnormal in shape under the microscope. Most often, physical injury (say, wiping out on your run or banging your elbow on the table) causes damage to the blood vessel. 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. Researchers are expressing concerns over the number of bicycle accidents involving drugs. other information we have about you. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. 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. Shmerling, R. H. (2018). The exact causes are unknown, and it tends to resolve on its own. An infection that causes the buildup of toxin in the blood or tissues ( sepsis ). Achenbach syndrome is a rare and benign condition wherein sudden bruising appears on one or more of the fingers. See a doctor if you suspect your symptoms are a result of von Willebrand disease. These Broccoli Nutrition Facts Prove There's More to It Than Fiber. Turning on a light or flashlight when walking through poorly lit areas. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Bruises are common and usually disappear with time. Bruising can easily be a symptom of a bacterial infection called sepsis. Mayo Clinic Staff. Tell your health care provider or pharmacist if a medication makes you dizzy or sleepy. "The more physically active you are, the more likely you are to bruise or bleed," says Dr. Elliott. However, the occasional bruise or a bruise due to an accident, typically isnt a cause for concern. However, it should not appear in isolation and may appear If NHL spreads to the bone marrow, it can reduce the number of blood cells in your body. If you bruise easily, your inability to form clots may be the result of an underlying medical condition. Complete blood count shows low platelet count (less than 150,000/CC); it is usually less than 40,000/CC. Why my wife has stabbing pain when pooping during a period? Applying a heating pad or warm compress to the injured area after two days. Unusual bleeding after vaccinations. Generally, harder blows cause larger bruises. Some conditions can make it harder for your blood to clot. Here are the signs you may need to see a doctor. As a result, bleeding from damage to small blood vessels near the skin's surface might take longer than usual to stop. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on It may also be due to an underlying health condition or a vitamin deficiency. Some antibiotics such as cephalosporins (as Cefotriaxone), Linezolid (Zyvox), sulfonamides, Penicillins, Rifampin, Vancomycin, and others. 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. All rights reserved. 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. This is because your skin tends to become thinner as you age. Someone who takes medication and has random bruising should speak to a doctor for advice and to discuss their drug and family medical history. 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. Eventually the body reabsorbs the blood, and the mark disappears. information submitted for this request. Immune-mediated disease leads to low platelet count. Muscle contusion (bruise). That's because you're pushing your muscles with so much effort that it leads to tiny tears in your blood vessels. Nosebleeds without a known cause. Some medications may require a gradual reduction and careful monitoring. Non-Hodgkins lymphoma is a cancer that starts in lymphocyte cells, which are part of the immune system. 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. Easy bruising may be a sign of alcohol abuse, vitamin deficiency, bleeding disorders and other conditions. Bruising is very common. Anytime you experience a minor injury or accident that damages the skin, it affects the blood vessels below the surface of your skin. This usually causes a bruise. When you strain a muscle, you injure muscle tissue deep under the skin. Anemia may be your first thought, but it's not always the case. They may prescribe iron tablets or other medication as well as help you modify your diet to meet your nutritional needs. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. 5 Causes. A bruise, or contusion, is skin discoloration from damaged, leaking blood vessels underneath your skin. These bruises are a little different. Rarely, serious bleeding from the gut tract (black stool, vomiting of blood) may occur. One method is to take extra care as you age. Accessed March 14, 2022. What We Know. Medications can also hinder the blood clotting process and inhibit platelet function. Two distinct types of ITP present (reference): Chronic ITP may pass through periods of remission and relapse for years. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 01/26/2023. This content does not have an English version. However, if a bruise persists, changes in size, or looks unusual, there may be an underlying condition or other factors. Some medical conditions that can cause easy bruising include: While the occasional bruise isnt a cause for concern, easy bruising could be. As the area heals, the bruise may turn a lighter shade of brown, green or yellow. Easy bruising and bleeding are common leukemia symptoms. National Institute on Aging. Symptoms of a bruise include: Bruises are sometimes called black-and-blue marks. A tension headache usually feels like a tight band squeezing around your noggin. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Von Willebrand disease. This bleeding disorder is a lifelong condition. Here are some key factors in random bruising: Unexplained bruising is very common and heals relatively quickly. Here are 10 easy treatments to lessen the pain and reduce the visibility. 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. Bruises look like a mark on your skin thats black and blue or red to purple. Find out what role aging plays and when to consult a health care provider. Blood in your urine or stool. You may bruise more easily while taking certain medications, including blood thinners or steroids. White, G. (2008). Fever. Both of these things mean you get more bruises. A migraine classically causes throbbing, pounding pain that lasts for hours sometimes even days on one side of the head. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. privacy practices. Senile purpura. Bruising Easily Anemia The term anemia refers to a condition whereby your blood has too small a number of healthy red blood cells. DOI: 10.1136/bcr.08.2008.0750. Most bruises go away without treatment within a couple of weeks. 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. There are some bleeding disorders and medical conditions that may make you more prone to bruising, including: Bruises range in size, shape and color depending on the type of bruise, cause and location. 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. If you have symptoms of kidney 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. Your bodys blood cells repair damaged blood vessels to help you heal. 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. These tests include: Most bruises fade away and dont need treatment. Gardner-Diamond syndrome is a condition wherein painful and unexpected bruising occurs, mainly on the arms, legs, or face. People who have cancers in parts of the body responsible for blood production, like the liver, may also experience unusual clotting. What steps can I take to lower my risk of bruising? Children are often more prone to bruising than the average adult. Should I have blood tests to see if a condition is causing the bruises? Here are 10 easy treatments to lessen the pain and reduce the visibility. There is a problem with These blood vessels leak into surrounding tissues. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health They may also order blood tests to measure your platelet levels and the time it takes your blood to clot. include protected health information. The most common symptom of non-Hodgkin lymphoma is painless swelling in the lymph nodes, which are located in the neck, groin, and armpit. Call your childs healthcare professional if your child experiences frequent, unexplained bruises along with: In most cases, bruises go away on their own without care.