Clinical evaluation of bleeding and bruising in primary care. Poor people (lack of fruits and vegetables in the diet). This bleeding disorder is a lifelong condition. If you're unsure as to whether you have any of the above issues, but you still wake up with bruises a lot, consider where you see the marks. The most common cause of vitamin C deficiency is decreased intake as with: Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting. They may also order blood tests to measure your platelet levels and the time it takes your blood to clot. Last medically reviewed on June 29, 2020, A bruise usually results from a blow to the body. Mayo Clinic Staff. Pictures and symptoms of the red, scaly rash. Bruises and blood spots under the skin. High-dose flu vaccines: How are they different from other flu vaccines? 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. Here are the signs you may need to see a doctor. The Causes of Bruising Easily: Anemia, Vitamin Deficiency, Coming to a Cleveland Clinic location?Hillcrest Cancer Center check-in changesCole Eye entrance closingVisitation and COVID-19 information, Notice of Intelligent Business Solutions data eventLearn more. Sometimes, bruising is a sign of a more serious issue, so talk to a healthcare provider if you experience unexplained or large bruises. Can Ibuprofen Really Reduce Your Period Flow? ), 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. Read on to learn more about common causes, what to watch for, and when to see a doctor. These bruises last long and even grow in size. Here are five causes of bruising easily, anemia included. Thrombophilia typically has no symptoms until a blood clot develops. Some deficiencies include vitamin C deficiency and vitamin K deficiency. Most of us get bruises from bumping into objects from time to time. Remove household hazards that you can trip over or bump into. Easy Bruising 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. Why Do I Bruise So Easily | What Causes Easy Bruising 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. 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. The most common symptom of non-Hodgkin lymphoma is painless swelling in the lymph nodes, which are located in the neck, groin, and armpit. Always mention any unusual bruising during pregnancy to a doctor or midwife. More research is needed to, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. If youre bleeding more than normal for some reason, the blood will pool under your skin and cause a bruise. However, if you bruise easily, you have unexplained bruising, or the bruising is accompanied by bleeding elsewhere, it could be a sign of a condition that needs medical attention. The ICD-10-CM code for ecchymosis is R58. The forensic science behind bruise healing [Infographic]. 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 ). Eden, R. E., & Coviello, J. M. (2020). Therefore, you're more prone to frequent bruising, says Dr. Elliott. Experiencing a low blood platelet count (. Why my wife has stabbing pain when pooping during a period? If you notice marks on your arms or legs after an intense workout, try the "RICE" method: We don't mean you woke up with a black-and-blue mark because you bumped into something after one too many cocktails. Neutze, D, et al. (2018). But if you notice that youre bruising more easily than usual, or the bruises are larger and are accompanied by other symptoms, its best to follow up with a healthcare professional. ", University of Maryland Medical Center: "Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid).". 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. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a group of inherited conditions that affect the connective tissues. Generally, harder blows cause larger bruises. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Doctors can detect a liver or kidney condition during routine blood tests, so don't be afraid to speak up if you suspect there's a problem. Also, as you get older, you tend to lose some of the fatty layer in your skin that helps protect your blood vessels from injury. Bruising Easily: Causes, Treatment, When to Get Care Many large or deep bruises. Your body needs iron to make hemoglobin, which helps blood carry oxygen throughout the body. What We Know. Ibuprofen (oral route). Bruises form a mark on your skin that ranges in color from black, blue, purple, brown or yellow. Mayo Clinic Minute: Why vaccines are especially important for older people. Wearing protective gear like helmets and pads when playing contact sports, bicycling or riding a motorcycle. Use handrails when youre walking up or down stairs. A blunt trauma injury can cause your spleen to rupture. It mostly occurs in females who have a mental health condition or emotional stress. Consuming certain nutrients may help reduce your risk. That doesn't mean you should stop moving; just stay safe in the weight room or on the field by paying attention to your surroundings and your movements, going slower if you need to, and staying extra focused when you're running on the road. Excess iron inside the body (as with hemolytic anemias). 5 Causes of Bruising Easily All of a Sudden (In-depth) Corticosteroids (affect collagen fibers in the wall of the blood vessels). Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Problems with two major organs your liver and kidneys can cause blood abnormalities. They generally affect the back, legs, and hands. All rights reserved. Platelets stop bleeding within your body to heal your bruise. This can cause bleeding within the skin tissue. As the area heals, the bruise may turn a lighter shade of brown, green or yellow. Causes For example, cirrhosis is the result of continuous long-term damage, and bruising easily is a symptom. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Has an estimated prevalence of 1 in 15,00020,000 and is generally inherited as an autosomal dominant condition. When to see a doctor or other healthcare provider, thedermblog.com/2008/03/17/why-do-women-bruise-more-easily-than-men/, mdanderson.org/patients-family/diagnosis-treatment/emotional-physical-effects/bleeding-bruising-cancer.html, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15235-bruises, ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/ehlers-danlos-syndrome, ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/factor-v-deficiency, hemophilia.org/Bleeding-Disorders/Types-of-Bleeding-Disorders/Hemophilia-A, hemophilia.org/Bleeding-Disorders/Types-of-Bleeding-Disorders/Hemophilia-B, nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/immune-thrombocytopenia, merckmanuals.com/professional/nutritional-disorders/vitamin-deficiency,-dependency,-and-toxicity/vitamin-k, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cushing-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20351310, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ehlers-danlos-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20362125, mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/easy-bruising/art-20045762, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemophilia/symptoms-causes/syc-20373327, mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/ibuprofen-oral-route/description/drg-20070602, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/iron-deficiency-anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355034, mayoclinic.org/documents/mc5129-0709-sp-rpt-pdf/doc-20079085, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/von-willebrand-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20354978, macmillan.org.uk/information-and-support/lymphoma/lymphoma-non-hodgkin/understanding-cancer/signs-and-symptoms.html, uwhealth.org/health/topic/symptom/bruises-and-blood-spots-under-the-skin/bruse.html, ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-Consumer/, health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/why-do-i-bruise-more-easily-as-i-age. Applying ice packs for the first 24 to 48 hours after injury. Bruising is more common among older adults. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Most bruises eventually disappear as the body reabsorbs the blood, although healing might take longer as you age. If youre undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatments, you may have low blood platelet counts (thrombocytopenia). These bruises are a little different. Easy bruising: Why does it happen? - Mayo Clinic Symptoms of a bruise include: Pain or tenderness (sore feeling) when you All rights reserved. You may also be able to prevent getting bruised by taking the following steps: Call your doctor if youre bruising more frequently than usual and if bruising is accompanied by bleeding from anywhere else. Vitamin C deficiency. If you do play a contact sport, make sure you have the proper gear, such as a helmet or shoulder or knee pads. Underlying bleeding disorders such as hemophilia, thrombocytopenia, or factor V deficiency can cause bruising. Dr. Allison Greco answered. Treating pain with hot and cold can be extremely effective for a number of different conditions and injuries. They can advise you on any next steps. 2017; 10.1016/j.jaad.2016.11.009. As a result, bleeding from damage to small blood vessels near the skin's surface might take longer than usual to stop. 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. (n.d.). Non-Hodgkins lymphoma is a cancer that starts in lymphocyte cells, which are part of the immune system. For example, a person should see a doctor if: Occasional bruising is rarely a cause for concern. Bernard-Soulier syndrome is a rare, inherited blood clotting disorder. Steroids and anti-depressants can also make you bruise more easily. But sometimes your blood isnt able to form clots as it should. Sudden onset of easy bruising is more common with the adult type (on minor trauma or spontaneously). Unexplained weight loss. May occur following a lack of fresh fruit and vegetables over prolonged periods of time. MD, Internal Medicine and Nephrology specialist.Dr. However, the occasional bruise or a bruise due to an accident, typically isnt a cause for concern. It can also occur if the red blood cells lack enough hemoglobin, the iron-rich component Diabetes is a metabolic condition that affects your bodys ability to Many causes: Brusing may be normal, and inherited genetically. Check out these common things that may cause those blotches and learn how to prevent them. If you've been a sun worshipper all your life, you may notice your skin bruises more easily. Hemophilia is a genetic condition wherein people lack either clotting factor VIII or IX, resulting in excessive bruising. Here are 8 possible reasons you bruise so easily. Von Willebrand disease is a genetic disorder that affects your bloods ability to clot. Arrange furniture and electrical cords so that they're not in your way when you walk. 2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK. Next, read what you need to know about bruising easily (anemia isn't always the answer, BTW). It is a rare condition that mostly affects males. Find out about the side effects of medications you take. Corticosteroids thin the skin, making it easier to bruise. 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. Also, your blood vessels get more fragile. (2016). These bruises can get larger, turning your skin purple. Vitamin C is found in: Profund vitamin C deficiency results in a condition called (scurvy), which is rare nowadays. It also explains bruising in pregnancy and when to see a doctor. Certain health conditions, medications, and even inherited disorders can cause random bruising. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Dr. Michael Sparacino answered. Thrombophilia means that your blood has an increased tendency to clot. If you notice this happening, don't stop taking your medication, but do talk to your doctor about it. Gurnee EA, et al. About 7% of US citizens are deficient in vitamin C (reference). Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could A ruptured spleen can be a life threatening condition and requires immediate attention. and when that impact gets powerful, it's more likely to leave a mark. Most cases of random bruising are nothing to worry about. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. They can make a diagnosis, if needed, and advise you on next steps. In the early stages, DIC causes your blood to clot excessively. To find the cause of your bruising, your health care provider will likely do a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms and medical history. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? This may make your skin more susceptible to bruising. It can be hard to know when to seek medical care. Bruising occurs when the repairs don't come quickly enough, resulting in a collection of blood outside of the vessels," explains Dr. Elliott. (2018). other information we have about you. 1. 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. Children are often more prone to bruising than the average adult. Your provider might also check your blood platelet levels or do tests that measure the time it takes your blood to clot. Bleeding and bruising in cancer patients. Bruises are common and usually disappear with time. Bruises are often harmless, but they can sometimes indicate a medical condition that requires medical treatment. People with sepsis often develop a cluster of tiny blood spots, resembling pinpricks in the skin (petechiae) or purple areas (purpura). Wrap the ice pack in a towel and apply ice for no more than 15 minutes at a time. Family Medicine 39 years experience. See a doctor if you suspect your symptoms are a result of von Willebrand disease. (n.d.). This could indicate a serious condition that needs immediate attention. Why do I bruise more easily as I age? Your provider can further identify what type of ecchymosis you have based on your symptoms. That's because over time, the sun slowly weakens your skin and the tiny blood vessels underneath it. Having a vitamin C or vitamin K deficiency. If the condition worsens, the areas get more extensive and look like bruises. (2017). 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. The majority of cases will resolve spontaneously without a need for treatment. Bruises can occur from a fall, accident, sports injury or medical procedure. This article will expand on factors in and causes of random bruising and accompanying symptoms. It happens to everyone. Ecchymosis, which occurs when blood leaks from a broken capillary into surrounding tissue, is common and requires a preventive treatment plan. Cleveland Clinic Community Care puts patients first by offering comprehensive, coordinated, personalized healthcare. Even small changes in sight or hearing can cause you to fall. If your blood cells arent healthy, your body wont be able to get the oxygen that it needs to function. Cushing syndrome causes the skin to thin, resulting in easy bruising. This is because it may be the cause of such a condition. 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. WebBruises range in size, shape and color depending on the type of bruise, cause and location. Mayo Clinic Staff. The skin is also thin, fragile, and easily damaged. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. (2009). But sometimes you spot a bruise and you can't figure out how you got it. Instead, discuss your concerns with your doctor to find the treatment plan that works best for you. This allows enough blood to leak out under the skin to cause a bruise. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Here are 10 easy treatments to lessen the pain and reduce the visibility. Anyone who suspects liver or kidney disease should consult a doctor. Easy bruising. To avoid bruises, crack down on clutter at home and always wear protective gear when you exercise or play sports.