2012;98(6):355-359. We avoid using tertiary references. This is due to weakening blood vessels that are more prone to breakage even with slight injury to the area. 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. It also explains bruising in pregnancy and when to see a doctor. The presentation of a fussy infant with bruising: late-onset vitamin K deficiency bleeding. The RICE method for getting rid of a bruise is:11. This can result in bruising easily on your legs or other areas of your body. At Healthy and Natural World, our mission is to empower people to take control of their own health by providing comprehensive, practical and well researched information. Bleeding under the skin may also present as pinprick-sized red or purple dots that resemble a rash. It aids in the delivery of oxygen throughout the body to cells and without adequate oxygen, skin becomes more likely to bruise. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices 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. Bruises happen when an injury causes blood to leak into the skin. However, if the discoloration does not heal within a few weeks, it is worth talking to a doctor. Someone who takes medication and has random bruising should speak to a doctor for advice and to discuss their drug and family medical history. Thats because your body needs iron to keep your blood cells healthy. For example, being in the sun too long, aging, or a vitamin deficiency can weaken small blood vessels near the skin's surface. Doctors from the Mayo Clinic explain that aging causes the protective fatty layer in the skin to become thinner. Sjukratilfelli og sjukdomseinkenni [Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type IV. confusion and memory problems, trouble sleeping (insomnia) and changes in your personality caused by a build-up of toxins in the brain passing black, tarry poo and vomiting blood as a result of internal bleeding a tendency to bleed and bruise more easily, such as frequent nosebleeds and bleeding gums Consuming certain nutrients may help reduce your risk. There are signs that the bruise has become infected. Massage the oil into the bruised area (again, not too hard). Cancer. A bruise is also known as a contusion. Another indication of possible leukemia is lots of bruises with no indication as to a cause. Fraser IM, et al. Signs and symptoms of acute lymphocytic leukemia. This includes the joints, skin, and blood vessel walls. 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. Certain severe medical conditions can cause unexplained bruising, bleeding, and blood clots. This bleeding disorder is caused by a low platelet count. Thrombocytopenia. It should get better within 2 to 3 weeks. Other common causes of blood spots include low blood platelets, blood clotting disorders, inflammation in the blood vessels, and vitamin C deficiency. 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. Medications that are used for rheumatoid arthritis can often lead to unexplained bruises. On top of genetics, aging can be a factor of unexplained bruising. (2017). Why do I bruise more easily as I age? It mostly occurs in females who have a mental health condition or emotional stress. As a result, hemophilia sufferers bleed longer and bruise easier. See a doctor or other healthcare provider right away if you experience any of the following: Last medically reviewed on November 9, 2018. But what does unexplained bruising mean? Once that fatty layer has thinned, the sun can directly damage blood cells, causing bruising on the skin. Vitamin K is one of the nutrients that help blood to clot. Although in rare cases random bruising can be a sign of a serious condition, the bruising will be accompanied by many other symptoms. Widespread bruising or petechial rash would be concernin Dr. John Munshower and another doctor agree. 2018;11(1):13-18. Gardner-Diamond syndrome is a condition wherein painful and unexpected bruising occurs, mainly on the arms, legs, or face. Warm applications tend to dissolve this type of clot. 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. If you are taking blood-thinning medications, you may find that even a slight knock on your leg or arm can easily cause bruising. Hemophilia A and hemophilia B are hereditary conditions that cause blood not to clot as easy or as much as other people. Always mention any unusual bruising during pregnancy to a doctor or midwife. (2011). When certain blood vessels are damaged, blood platelets bind together to repair the issue. Many people find that they have unexplained bruising on legs and want to know what causes bruises to appear for no apparent reason. Without enough platelets, the blood has trouble clotting. Bruises, also referred to as contusions, occur when there is an injury to tissues underneath the skin. Thrombocytopenia is a condition that affects blood clotting and can be caused by chickenpox, rubella, and mumps. Be aware that certain clotting disorders may be a factor. It is rare in adults, generally occurring in the neonatal period. Learn more about bruises on dark skin here. Phys Ther. It is more commonly associated with specific insects. After 24 hours have passed, try using a heat pack to get the circulation flowing and relax the muscle area around the bruise. 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. People with this condition bruise easily, with bleeding from small blood vessels under the skin. Bruises, Cleveland Clinic; https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/bruises, last accessed August 28, 2017. Please note, we cannot prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other abusable medications. However, if a bruise persists, changes in size, or looks unusual, there may be an underlying condition or other factors. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? However, bruises arent typically something to worry about, and they tend to heal on their own in a few days or weeks. Once the mixture is cool, tighten the lid and place into the fridge until needed. Vitamin deficiencies of various sorts can lead to unexplained bruises. But, there are a couple of essential oils that work particularly well with bruises. J Am Acad Dermatol. I have a bruise on my stomach where my appendix should be.. should i be worried? A hematoma is what you might refer to as a goose egg. A lot of damaged blood cells collects and clots under the skin, raising it into a lump or bump. 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. Usually, these diseases are accompanied by other symptoms and random bruising occurs in the later stages of the disease. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. If you find yourself constantly bruised up and dont know why, contact your healthcare provider as you may have an underlying health condition or nutrient deficiency to blame for the constant contusions. This inflammations natural side effect is unexplained bruises. Home; Health A to Z; Back to Health A to Z Black eye. (2018). This can help speed up the healing process. People who have cancer and are struggling to eat may also experience vitamin deficiencies that impact the bloods ability to clot. For example, a lack of vitamin C can lead to scurvy which causes unexplained bruising and bleeding. Understanding Bone Bruise or Marrow Edema. Learn how we can help 1.8k views Answered >2 years ago Thank 3 thanks A 18-year-old female asked: Signs and symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This means that elderly people are more prone to random bruising than younger adults.3, According to a report prepared by the University of California, elderly people may also be less stable on their feet and can bump into objects frequently causing accidental bruising. 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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. Broken blood vessels on the face can happen to anyone at any age. Without enough platelets, your blood clots more slowly than normal. Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a group of inherited conditions that affect the connective tissues. Healthy and Natural World is supported by its audience. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. It also eliminates harmful free radicals that can lead to tissue degeneration and random bruising. (2017). Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. What Do Your PT/INR and PTT Results Mean? Vitamin K. What are bruises? These types of exercises can, at times, cause tears in the blood cells under the skin and lead to bruising. St. John, T., The Changing Colors of Bruises and What They Mean, Symptom Find, May 7, 2016; https://www.symptomfind.com/health/changing-colors-bruises-and-what-they-mean/, last accessed August 28, 2017. Diabetes is a metabolic condition that affects your bodys ability to produce or use insulin. 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. Here's what might be causing them and how theyre treated. Thrombophilia typically has no symptoms until a blood clot develops. You notice bruises on your legs or other areas of your body for no apparent reason. The good news is that yellow is usually the final color in the healing process and usually occurs within seven to 10 days. Specific medications include: Blood thinners are given to people who have issues with blood clotting. When this happens, blood leaks out of the vessels and initially appears as a dark mark. Although being in the sun is necessary to help the body produce vitamin D, too much sun exposure can damage your skin and cause you to bruise easily. Other symptoms of a vitamin C deficiency include: You may begin to bruise easily if you arent getting enough iron. Random or unexplained bruising on legs can happen for a number of reasons. (n.d.). Common medically unexplained symptoms include: About 1 in 4 people who see a GP have physical symptoms that cannot be explained. Bruises naturally change color over time from red, through purple, to yellow or, Bruises happen when an injury causes damage to blood vessels below the skin. One cause of random bruising on legs or bruises that appear after a minor injury is a vitamin deficiency. This can also help you to determine if you should see a doctor about unexplained bruises that have appeared on your body. But other symptoms, such as joint pain, may last several weeks or months. Mayo Clinic Staff. By Angelica Bottaro Easy bruising and bleeding are common leukemia symptoms. This essential oil can help reduce swelling and increase blood circulation, which can help the bruise heal faster. It is known for being able to keep blood inside a blood vessel, even after an injury has occurred. There are some hereditary conditions and bleeding disorders that can cause issues with bruising. It can cause excessive bleeding which leads to easy bruising. If you are able to, you can also keep the bruise elevated above the heart to prevent further blood pooling. 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. The red coloring is due to the fresh blood near the surface of the skin. Educational text answers on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription. Spontaneous bruising is very common after 45-50 years of age and also depends upon the skin type. Unexplained Bruising on Your Body: Causes and Treatments was last modified: July 17th, 2019 by Jenny Hills, Nutritionist and Medical Writer. Learn more about what the colors of a bruise mean here. Along with the discoloration associated with a bruise, hematomas can also cause the area to feel hard or firm to the touch. First of all, lets look at what bruises are and what is the main cause of random bruising. (n.d.). When your blood takes longer to clot, more of it leaks from your blood vessels and accumulates under your skin. This can cause your platelet count to drop, which will impact your bloods ability to clot and lead to easy bruising and bleeding. 5. Search. Its very rare to have spontaneous bruising without any reason. If you havent already received a diabetes diagnosis, look for other symptoms such as: See a doctor or other healthcare provider if youre experiencing one or more of these symptoms alongside bruising. Whats Causing Broken Blood Vessels on My Face? Other symptoms of iron deficiency include: Although rare in healthy adults, vitamin K deficiencies can slow the rate at which blood clots. Easy bruising and bleeding. Peripheral vascular disease. Bleeding Diathesis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments. People who take blood thinners bruise more easily. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Repeat this two or three times a day until the bruise has healed. Meanwhile, vitamin K deficiency can contribute to significant bleeding, poor bone development, and cardiovascular disease. Bruises develop from damage to blood vessels that reside under the skin. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Inflammatory breast cancer. When the liver is damaged, it stops producing the proteins required for blood clotting. Acanthosis nigricans is a condition that can develop in people living with diabetes (most often connected with type 2 diabetes) where there is too much insulin in the blood stream. People who are prone to bruising may not remember a minor trauma and assume that the bruise has appeared out of nowhere. (2016). Signs and symptoms of vasculitis. Hemophilia A is a genetic condition that affects the bloods ability to clot. Random bruising may happen without a clear cause or injury. If your bruising is tied to medication overuse, you may also experience: gas bloating stomach pain heartburn nausea vomiting diarrhea constipation If you suspect that your bruising is a. Some people also bruise more easily than others and a seemingly insignificant knock may leave a black and blue dark patch on their skin. I have a small bruising on my stomach with a small lump under it. Doctors typically provide answers within 24 hours. People can prevent vitamin deficiencies by making dietary changes and taking supplements. Bruising is common. Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in less than one minute for common issues such as: colds and coughs, stomach symptoms, bladder infections, rashes, and more. 2017;22(7):365-366. doi:10.1093/pch/pxx139, Wolpert K, Szadkowski M, Miescier M, Hewes HA. Extensive bruising secondary to vitamin C deficiency. In many cases, random bruising doesnt require any treatment at all and will heal on its own. It is impossible to completely prevent bruising. Signs and symptoms of non-hodgkin lymphoma. People with sepsis often develop a cluster of tiny blood spots, resembling pinpricks in the skin (petechiae) or purple areas (purpura). Bruises look like big purple spots with clear edges, and you're younger than 65. In some people, random bruising may be impacted by their genes simply because of how they are physically built. Most often, a ruptured spleen is caused by blunt force trauma. Maybe more thatn the flu. Why do women bruise more easily than men? The bumps usually heal on their own within 3 to 8 weeks without leaving a scar. It's important toconsider whetherany medicine you're taking may be causing your symptoms for example,taking painkillers long term can lead to headaches. (2017). What You Need to Know About Living With Low Platelets. However, if a person experiences other symptoms alongside random bruising, further investigation may be necessary. Rochelle Collins, DO, is board-certified in family medicine. Yourbody has a remarkable ability to recover and there's a good chance that your symptoms will improve in time, even without any specific treatment. (2018). They create and support wound healing. A few bruises rarely indicates a problem. Sun-damaged skin. For example, cirrhosis is the result of continuous long-term damage, and bruising easily is a symptom. 2016;93(4). You and the GP may identify some lifestyle changes and goals that you both think will help relieve your symptoms, such as regular physical activity and better rest. Native to Europe and Asia, comfrey is a type of shrub that contains allantoin, a chemical that helps skin cells grow and can help speed up the healing process. Harvard Health Publishing Harvard Medical School. What are bruises? Unfortunately, as we get older, getting unexplained bruises becomes more of a fact of life due to skin changes and medications. Treating pain with hot and cold can be extremely effective for a number of different conditions and injuries. This may make your skin more susceptible to bruising. These bruises end up being a flat, purple-colored bruise. (2009). It is a rare condition that mostly affects males. Tannins can help contract the blood vessels which in turn can help heal a bruise quicker. Your doctor may recommend controlling diabetes with diet or prescribe you medication. This can cause blood vessels to burst and leak blood into the surrounding area. This type of bruising is the one you are most familiar with. All rights reserved. What causes unexplained bruising? Vitamin C: Fact sheet for consumers. People who have cancers in parts of the body responsible for blood production, like the liver, may also experience unusual clotting. All rights reserved. Mayo Clinic Staff. In this article, you will find out what could be causing random bruising on your legs and other body parts, and in some cases, how to get rid of the bruise quickly. This article will expand on factors in and causes of random bruising and accompanying symptoms. 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. 2004-2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. However, medicine isn't always the answer painkillers or sedatives, for example,may lead to dependence. Blood platelets are specific cells that exist within the blood. The condition can lead to bruising that lasts longer than normal because of the way it affects wound healing. Older adults often experience random bruising as part of the natural aging process. However, random, sporadic bruising may be a symptom of something less obvious, especially if there are other symptoms. Dr. Dennis Lee on MedicineNet says that along with random bruises, liver disease can turn the skin yellow and cause all over body itching. The purple and black phase usually occurs within two or three days. A low platelet count is also called thrombocytopenia, and there are a few potential causes, such as: Cushing's syndrome is a condition that arises when levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, are too high in the blood. These spots, called purpura, are common in older adults but may be a sign of inflamed blood vessels in younger people. Sign Up for the Latest Health News and Tips, Home General Health Unexplained Bruising: Causes, Diabetes Connection & the Life-Cycle of a Bruise. Sometimes unexplained bruising on your legs or body is because of hereditary factors. These compounds are known as biliverdin and bilirubin and are actually pigments that occur naturally when they break down blood. Thrombophilia means that your blood has an increased tendency to clot. Erickson, F. (2014). Page last reviewed: 12 July 2021 Here are some key factors in random bruising: Unexplained bruising is very common and heals relatively quickly. Venosa, A., Unexplained Bruising Have You Feeling Blue? The liver is an organ that helps the body create many chemicals that are involved in clotting. Ehlers-Danlos-heilkenni af gerd IV. A person with kidney disease bruises easily due to a loss of skin elasticity. 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. The most common symptom of non-Hodgkin lymphoma is painless swelling in the lymph nodes, which are located in the neck, groin, and armpit. Generally, planning some pleasurable personal time to unwind should help whatever helps you relax,whether it'syoga classes, swimming, running,meditation orwalking in the countryside. Paediatr Child Health. Sporadic bruising usually isnt cause for worry. (2018). Vitamin K is one of the nutrients that help blood to clot. Pour the contents into a sealable jar. They may prescribe iron tablets or other medication as well as help you modify your diet to meet your nutritional needs. Managing stressis very important because it's been linked to problems such as pain and IBS. Ibuprofen (oral route). This condition occurs when your body makes too much or too little clotting chemicals. After a few hours, the blood loses oxygen, and the bruise turns bluish in color. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. As noted in the previous section, the fatty layer of your skin begins to disappear as you get older, giving the blood cells underneath it less protection from various physical causes of bruising. I've had the flu now my stomach and part of my back is bruised what could be the cause? This means that a minor bump or injury can cause large or lumpy bruises. doi:10.1097/PEC.0000000000001083. Keeping an eye out for other unusual symptoms may help you determine if theres an underlying cause. Vitamin C, for example, supports your immune system and aids in wound healing. Some studies suggest that certain dietary supplements such as fish oil, garlic, and ginseng may also be factors in bleeding and bruising.