(. Thrombocytopenia in pregnancy. WebEasy bruising after minimal or no trauma is thought to occur due to platelet dysfunction and capillary fragility. Steroids like prednisone can also cause easy bruising, because they thin the skin. More severe bruises might need treatment. Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Mayo Clinic on High Blood Pressure - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Financial Assistance Documents Minnesota, Assisted Walking and Mobility Options at Mayo Clinic Store, Balanced skincare Solutions from Mayo Clinic Store, Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition, Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter Digital Edition. Bruising can happen more easily if a person uses certain medications or has a health condition or. 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. 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. Goldman L, et al., eds. The table below is an overview of the causes of bruising easily all of a sudden. This occurs in 4.4% to 11.6% of pregnancies. Bruising is more common among older adults. For unclear reasons, girls tend to bruise more easily than boys. Certain medications such as aspirin, anticoagulants, antibiotics, corticosteroids, and diuretics can make you more prone to skin problems like dryness and bruising. Raise the area where you're injured and put ice on it. Mayo Clinic Staff. Whenever this blood gets trapped under the surface of the skin, it will form a bruise. The tricky part is knowing which. Here are five causes of bruising easily, anemia included. Fever. They may appear red or purplish at first. Another indication of possible leukemia is lots of bruises with no indication as to a cause. Previous history of recent drug use or viral infection before the onset of bruising. This allows enough blood to leak out under the skin to cause a bruise. If your bruising is tied to medication overuse, you may also experience: If you suspect that your bruising is a result of OTC or prescription medication use, see a doctor. Your provider might tell you to avoid certain nonprescription medications or supplements. Mayo Clinic Staff. The resulting discoloration from the bleeding is a bruise. (2018). Some types of medication can interfere with your bodys ability to form blood clots, which can increase your risk of bruising easily. 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. The most common cause of vitamin C deficiency is decreased intake as with: Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting. In: Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. More severe bruising and hematomas may last a month or longer. If you, your mom, and your sister all turn black and blue from the tiniest bump, it may be a family thing. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Your skin may appear red, purple, blue or black. Bruises develop when capillaries burst after an impact, while blood clots occur when an injury damages blood vessels. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of Use for informational purposes only. Bruises on the torso, back, or face could especially be a concern. Von Willebrand disease is a genetic disorder that affects your bloods ability to clot. and when that impact gets powerful, it's more likely to leave a mark. Aside from a physical exam to look at any bruises, your healthcare provider will likely ask you questions about your family medical history. These bruises last long and even grow in size. Signs and symptoms of spontaneous bleeding include: Unexplained and excessive bleeding from cuts or injuries, or after surgery or dental work. Learn more about bruises on dark skin here. Dr. Allison Greco answered. Some Types of Cancer. Mayo Clinic Staff. 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. 26th ed. People with von Willebrand disease are born with the condition, but may not develop symptoms until later in life. Arrange furniture and electrical cords so that they're not in your way when you walk. Certain health conditions, medications, and even inherited disorders can cause random bruising. Easy bruising can cause large bruises in multiple areas of the body, often at the same time. Bruises that dont go away, or bruises that occur for no apparent, Sporadic bruising usually isn't cause for worry. They can make a diagnosis, if needed, and advise you on next steps. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Swelling or a raised bump on your skin (hematoma). All rights reserved. These bruises are a little different. Most bruises fade away within two weeks without treatment. Hemophilia A is a genetic condition that affects the bloods ability to clot. If you bruise easily, your inability to form clots may be the result of an underlying medical condition. Applying a heating pad or warm compress to the injured area after two days. However, the occasional bruise or a bruise due to an accident, typically isnt a cause for concern. Most bruises eventually disappear as the body reabsorbs the blood, although healing might take longer as you age. This could indicate a serious condition that needs immediate attention. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. In rare cases, one of the following conditions may cause random bruising. This may make your skin more susceptible to bruising. These tests include: Most bruises fade away and dont need treatment. These include aspirin; ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others); naproxen sodium (Aleve); anticoagulant medications, such as warfarin (Jantoven), dabigatran (Pradaxa), rivaroxaban (Xarelto), apixaban (Eliquis) and heparin; and anti-platelet agents, such as clopidogrel (Plavix), prasugrel (Effient) and ticagrelor (Brilinta). Applying ice packs for the first 24 to 48 hours after injury. WebSome people have sudden unexplained bruising or blood spots under the skin, or they may suddenly get bruises more often. ", Mayo Clinic: "Easy Bruising: Common as You Age. Fall-proofing your home. People older than 65 years are more likely to bruise, along with women and people assigned female at birth. Easy bruising sometimes indicates a serious underlying condition, such as a blood-clotting problem or a blood disease. Bruising (ecchymosis) happens when small blood vessels (capillaries) break under your skin. Blood disorders usually cause symptoms other than bruising. This content does not have an Arabic version. All rights reserved. Having a vitamin C or vitamin K deficiency. Thats because your body needs iron to keep your blood cells healthy. You might also get bruises more often if you have issues with your platelets or those cells involved in the blood vessel healing process. Thrombophilia typically has no symptoms until a blood clot develops. They may also order blood tests to measure your platelet levels and the time it takes your blood to clot. The pooling of blood causes a visible sign of a bruise on your skin (skin discoloration). Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. However, random, sporadic bruising may be a symptom of something less obvious, especially if there are other symptoms. Easy bruising may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including: Abdominal pain. This content does not have an English version. (n.d.). That's because over time, the sun slowly weakens your skin and the tiny blood vessels underneath it. 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. 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. (2017). This bleeding disorder is caused by a low platelet count. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. They usually heal without treatment, but home remedies for bruises may be, Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. Your blood cells (platelets) are your bodys plumbers to repair the leak in your blood vessels. Oftentimes, you can reduce your risk for future bruising by making sure youre getting the right nutrients in your diet. Immune-mediated disease leads to low platelet count. Gurnee EA, et al. See additional information. This will allow him/her to examine you, ask specific questions. (2017). 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. Mayo Clinic Staff. Pictures and symptoms of the red, scaly rash. Platelets are a type of blood cell that prevent bleeding. If you suddenly get easy bruising, review any recent medications and even the list of your chronic medication. Some supplements, like fish oil and ginkgo, can do it too. If we combine this information with your protected The ITP is often triggered by viral infections or certain medications such as aspirin and carbamazepine. Complete blood count shows low platelet count (less than 150,000/CC); it is usually less than 40,000/CC. Vitamin K deficiency occurs due to a lack of fat in the diet or people with fat malabsorption. Some conditions can make it harder for your blood to clot. Anticoagulant activity of select dietary supplements. If you arent getting enough vitamin C, your skin may begin to bruise easily, resulting in random bruising. The length of time youll have a bruise varies based on what caused your bruise and the type of bruise. Most of us get bruises from bumping into objects from time to time. Call your doctor to get a diagnosis if you think ITP is the cause of sudden easy bruising. A tension headache usually feels like a tight band squeezing around your noggin. Accessed March 14, 2022. For example, a person should see a doctor if: Occasional bruising is rarely a cause for concern. The Health Benefits of Lemons Are Far from Sour, The Causes of Cherry Angiomas and How to Get Rid of the 'Red Freckles', What the Color of Your Poop Can Tell You About Your Diet and Health, Everything You Need to Know About Lumify Eye Drops, Benefits of Iron and Iron-Rich Foods to Add to Your Diet, Everything You Should Know About Gestational Diabetes. On rare occasions, you can also get a bruise from your immune system attacking blood vessels and if your blood vessel is too fragile, it can be extra prone to leaking blood, says Dr. Elliott. Dr. Michael Sparacino answered. Kraut EH. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Vitamin C, for example, supports your immune system and aids in wound healing. Flu-like symptoms ( fatigue, fever, sore throat, More research is needed to, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Children: If there is bleeding, the first choice is IV IgG (intravenous immunoglobulin G). (2018). (2016). Cleveland Clinic Community Care puts patients first by offering comprehensive, coordinated, personalized healthcare. That will make you feel better and keep the bruise from getting bigger. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 01/26/2023. People who have this condition have joints that move far beyond the typical range of motion and stretchy skin. Try to avoid looking at your phone or being distracted when youre walking. Headaches come in lots of varieties, and some are easily recognizable. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/fall-proofing-your-home. Bleeding and bruising in cancer patients. Learn, If left untreated, a blood clot can reach your organs and cause potentially life threatening conditions, such as pulmonary embolism, stroke, or a. While certain conditions and medications can cause you to bruise more easily, you may still be able to prevent bruises. Iron deficiency anemia. Excess AIcohoI intake is a common cause of bruising. ", American Osteopathic College of Dermatology: "Bruising Hands and Arms. Certain types of bruises, such as hematomas, may require medical attention. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. This can cause bleeding within the skin tissue. Medications that thin your blood to prevent dangerous blood clots are a common cause of easy bruising. Both of these things mean you get more bruises. Thornburg CD, et al. A poor diet can affect health in a number of negative ways, and vitamin deficiencies can contribute to random bruising. Find out what role aging plays and when to consult a health care provider. Vora, A., & Makris, M. (2001). In addition, AIcohoI can damage the bone marrow (which is responsible for manufacturing blood cells and platelets). (n.d.). Some people (it's usually women) just have more fragile blood vessels, and that makes them more likely to bruise, especially on their upper arms, thighs, or butt. uwhealth.org/healthfacts/cardiology/6404.html, academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/article/70/2/107/1896192, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4777343/, Everything to Know About a Bruise That Wont Go Away, Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment, Is the COVID-19 Vaccine Linked to Tinnitus? (n.d.). Elsevier; 2018. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Ecchymosis, which occurs when blood leaks from a broken capillary into surrounding tissue, is common and requires a preventive treatment plan. People with ITP may develop bruises for no apparent reason. Bruises are common and usually disappear with time. For example, cirrhosis is the result of continuous long-term damage, and bruising easily is a symptom. Most often, a ruptured spleen is caused by blunt force trauma. Shmerling, R. H. (2018). 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. Should You Be Using Vitamin D Skin-Care Products? Also known as blood poisoning, sepsis requires immediate emergency treatment. Talk to your health care provider about your concerns. Bruising is common. In some cases, random bruising may be associated with one of the following less common causes. One you've probably heard of is hemophilia. Vitamin C deficiency. Let's look at symptoms and treatments. Several causes: This is a problem that necessitates a face-to-face meeting with your doctor. Make your tax-deductible gift and be a part of the cutting-edge research and care that's changing medicine. Intense exercise can leave you with more than just sore muscles. This can cause your platelet count to drop, which will impact your bloods ability to clot and lead to easy bruising and bleeding. However, not all bruising has a simple explanation. We avoid using tertiary references. Vitamins perform many important functions in your blood. 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. Blood in your urine or stool. Losing weight without (ICYDK, your liver is the organ that processes alcohol and it can only do so much at once, so chronic alcohol use can damage liver cells.) The most common causes of bruising easily all of a sudden are low platelet (such as immune thrombocytopenia), blood-thining medications, and vitamin deficiencies such as vitamin C and K deficiency. Broken blood vessels on the face can happen to anyone at any age. When your blood takes longer to clot, more of it leaks from your blood vessels and accumulates under your skin. This may be caused by: A medicine, such as aspirin or blood thinners ( anticoagulants ). Approach to the patient with bleeding and thrombosis. Some studies suggest that certain dietary supplements such as fish oil, garlic, and ginseng may also be factors in bleeding and bruising. 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. Bleeding and bruising (thrombocytopenia) and cancer treatment. (2017). Hemophilia is a genetic condition wherein people lack either clotting factor VIII or IX, resulting in excessive bruising. Can Too Much Green Tea Lead to Liver Damage? Many blood-thinning medications can cause such a condition: These blood-thinning medications can cause sudden easy bruising during their first use or when the dose is changed. People who have cancer often experience excessive bleeding and bruising. Wong C-Z, et al. Bruises are common and usually disappear with time. 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. These bruises can get larger, turning your skin purple. Individuals with sepsis often get a rash with tiny blood spots on their skin. Although diabetes itself doesnt cause bruising, it can slow your healing time and allow bruises to linger longer than normal. These blood vessels leak into surrounding tissues. Eden, R. E., & Coviello, J. M. (2020). the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Learn more about what the colors of a bruise mean here. other information we have about you. Anticoagulants (blood thinners) and over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications like aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil), and naproxen (Aleve) affect your bloods ability to clot. You can take these steps to lower your risk of injury and bruising by: Bruises can be unsightly, but most bruises fade without treatment. This accounts for around 75% of all cases of thrombocytopenia in pregnancy.