This condition occurs when your body makes too much or too little clotting chemicals. But other symptoms, such as joint pain, may last several weeks or months. If you notice abnormal bleeding under your skin after a sunburn, you should call your doctor for a checkup.9. Iron: Iron is vital for healthy blood cells. Thrombocytopenia. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Unexplained Bruising: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention - Verywell Health Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and targeted therapy, may also lead to bruising. WebMD. Whenever this blood gets trapped under the surface of the skin, it will form a bruise. Please note, we cannot prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other abusable medications. Without enough platelets, the blood has trouble clotting. For example, vitamin C is used by the body to strengthen blood vessels. For example, a lack of vitamin C can lead to scurvy which causes unexplained bruising and bleeding. 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. Type 1 diabetes: symptoms. 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 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. Regular exercisewill help keep you fit andmany people find that it also boosts their mood(read about exercise for depression). Some studies suggest that certain dietary supplements such as fish oil, garlic, and ginseng may also be factors in bleeding and bruising. It is difficult to make a diagnosis without an examination. People with this condition bruise easily, with bleeding from small blood vessels under the skin. How much exercise you should do will depend on your current health and capabilities. There are several different bleeding disorders that can cause a person to bruise randomly, including: Nutrients are important for all bodily functions, and not getting enough vitamins and minerals can cause various health issues. Chronic skin fragility of aging: current concepts in the pathogenesis, recognition, and management of dermatoporosis. Side effects: Anticoagulant medicines. These compounds are known as biliverdin and bilirubin and are actually pigments that occur naturally when they break down blood. Usually it is from unnoticed trauma or accidents. Diabetes is a metabolic condition that affects your bodys ability to produce or use insulin. Diabetes is a chronic condition that develops because of the bodys inability to produce or use insulin, a hormone designed to manage blood sugar levels. Learn about how to get. Individuals should speak with a doctor. I have already mentioned these natural treatments for bruises that are backed by scientific evidence. Cines, D. B., & Levine, L. D. (2017). The GP should also investigate whether you might have an associated problem, such asdepression or anxiety. Benabio J. People with von Willebrand disease are born with the condition, but may not develop symptoms until later in life. The National Cancer Institute says that chemotherapy can cause random bruising, as well as tiny purple or red spots on your skin.20, An unexplained bruise on your breast that doesnt go away could be a sign of inflammatory breast cancer. Noble, J. M., & Patterson, M. C. (2020). If you arent getting enough vitamin C, your skin may begin to bruise easily, resulting in random bruising. Although your stomach and back can be. Viral infections can also cause random bruising on legs that is unexplained. This is called dermatoporosis. This can cause the bruise to take on a green color or tinge. Many people have persistent physical complaints, such as dizziness or pain, that don't appear to be symptoms of a medical condition. Ehlers-Danlos syndromes are a group of hereditary health conditions that negatively affect the function and structure of connective tissues such as the skin, joints, and walls of the blood vessels. Bleeding and bruising in cancer patients. Also, supplements like ginkgo biloba, ginger, turmeric, St Johns Wort have blood-thinning properties and may make you bruise easily. This bleeding disorder is caused by a low platelet count. Bruises often change colors as they heal. Usually, bruises disappear in about two weeks. People who take blood thinners bruise more easily. Stratakis CA. On top of genetics, aging can be a factor of unexplained bruising. Late-stage kidney disease often has unexplained or easy bruising as a side effect, but not necessarily due to the disease itself. Bleeding disorders may cause large bruises to develop without any explanation. NCJRS. NHS. Bruising in pregnancy. Allow the mixture to simmer for approximately 30 minutes. Mayo Clinic Staff. Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease where the bodys immune system attacks its own tissues and organs. Doctors typically provide answers within 24 hours. Most cases of random bruising are nothing to worry about. Tannins can help contract the blood vessels which in turn can help heal a bruise quicker. The first is that the disease itself may cause the bruise. Its just a part of being a human being. Here are 10 easy treatments to lessen the pain and reduce the visibility. Management typically involves psychiatric treatment. There are a few natural and quick ways to help the bruise disappear a bit faster than normal. Some medications can lead to easy or random bruising because of how they affect the body. Mayo Clinic Staff. Mayo Clinic Staff. Many people find that they have unexplained bruising on legs and want to know what causes bruises to appear for no apparent reason. 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. 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. Cardiovascular health: Insomnia linked to greater risk of heart attack. 5. Case study and clinical findings]. Signs and symptoms of non-hodgkin lymphoma. Bruises and blood spots under your skin. Health A-Z NHS services Live Well Mental health Care and support Pregnancy . If a bruise lasts well past the four-week mark, its a good idea to seek medical advice as it may be a sign of one of the conditions mentioned. Vitamin K supplements are often given to prevent unexplained bruising in people who take blood thinning medication.6. The ultra violet rays of the sun can lead to bruises under the skin. When a person bruises easily, this can lead to random and unexplained bruises from everyday activities that would typically not cause bruising. Not understanding the causecan make them even more distressing and difficult to cope with. But what about more subtle symptoms? Most bruises are nothing to worry about and will heal within a couple of weeks. Thrombocytopenia is a condition that affects blood clotting and can be caused by chickenpox, rubella, and mumps. If you suffer from diabetes, you may notice that you bruise easily and bruises last longer. Other symptoms of vitamin K deficiency include: If you suspect that your bruising is a result of deficiency, see a healthcare provider. In many cases, random bruising doesnt require any treatment at all and will heal on its own. If a person has non-hodgkins lymphoma, especially in their bone marrow, it can reduce blood cell count and blood platelet count leading to clotting issues and random bruising. WebMD. Its good to remember that in most cases the cause of unexplained bruising is nothing to worry about. 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. But first, we need to look at the different types of bruises and what causes them. Drugs. For many people, reaching an older age also brings with it medications and medical conditions that make it easier for your body to bruise. If you develop a blood clot, your doctor will probably test you for thrombophilia and may put you on blood thinners (anticoagulants). This bleeding disorder is a lifelong condition. Cancer can cause unexplained bruising in two different ways. Learn about breathing exercises for stress. Symptoms of a bruise include: Pain or tenderness (sore feeling) when you touch the bruise. These spots, called purpura, are common in older adults but may be a sign of inflamed blood vessels in younger people. You may be referred for a talking therapy, such ascognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). As a result, hemophilia sufferers bleed longer and bruise easier. Some people also bruise more easily than others and a seemingly insignificant knock may leave a black and blue dark patch on their skin. For the most part, a bruise will heal on its own within two to four weeks. Authors of the report said that 90% of bruising occurs on the legs and arms and very rarely on the neck, ears, buttocks, or soles of the feet.4. Home; Health A to Z; Back to Health A to Z Black eye. Bruise symptoms and signs. Red spots, also called blood spots, can look similar to bruises, although they dont develop because of an injury. Thats because your body needs iron to keep your blood cells healthy. Other symptoms of a vitamin C deficiency include: You may begin to bruise easily if you arent getting enough iron. The warning signs of blood cancer | Patient Easy bruising is sometimes a symptom of the late stages of chronic kidney disease. In some people, random bruising may be impacted by their genes simply because of how they are physically built. Healthy and Natural World is supported by its audience. 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. Vasculitis - NHS I have a bruise on the bottom left side of my stomach. Spontaneous bruising is very common after 45-50 years of age and also depends upon the skin type. For example, a person should see a doctor if: Occasional bruising is rarely a cause for concern. There may be a blood clotting issue or another underlying condition that needs treatment. If it persists, see your doctor! Has an estimated prevalence of 1 in 15,000-20,000 and is generally inherited as an autosomal dominant condition. Vitamin C: Vitamin C is important for many reasons, one being wound healing. This may result in blood leaking from vessels and accumulating under the skin. This can also help you to determine if you should see a doctor about unexplained bruises that have appeared on your body. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Underlying bleeding disorders such as hemophilia, thrombocytopenia, or factor V deficiency can cause bruising. And yes, getting older also means that we will be a little more prone to injury. People who have cancers in parts of the body responsible for blood production, like the liver, may also experience unusual clotting. However, not all bruising has a simple explanation. Yes: Yes, it is possible, but should not happen. For example, vitamin C is used by the body to strengthen blood vessels. But, the simpler explanations may surprise you. Unexplained stomach bruising | HealthTap Online Doctor Pain management medicines such as ibuprofen or naproxen, Radiation therapy of the bone marrow or pelvis, You dont know where the bruises are coming from and they occur regularly. 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. It is known for being able to keep blood inside a blood vessel, even after an injury has occurred. 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. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. If youre bleeding more than normal for some reason, the blood will pool under your skin and cause a bruise. Massage the mixture carefully into the bruised area (not too hard or you will cause further damage in the bruise). The website Drugs.com warns that long-term overexposure to the suns harmful UV rays can cause the skin to bruise easily on exposed areas. Many viral infections can cause thrombocytopenia. They typically arise due to an underlying health condition such as diabetes. It is more commonly associated with specific insects. Repeat this two or three times a day until the bruise has healed. Read on to learn more about unexplained bruising, what causes it, and when to seek medical attention. While kidney disease can cause changes in the blood cells that can cause easy bruising, many of the other medical issues, medications, and treatments that you have to take for the disease can also cause issues with the blood and bruising. Learn more about these serious fractures, how theyre treated, and what to expect. A pharmacist can help with erythema nodosum. This can result in bruising easily on your legs or other areas of your body. If unexplained . Pelvic fractures are typically the result of high impact injuries. Always mention any unusual bruising during pregnancy to a doctor or midwife. In adults with unexplained bruising, bleeding, petechiae, or hepatosplenomegaly consider arranging: A very urgent full blood count including platelet count (within 48 hours) and blood film. People who have hemophilia A are missing an important clotting factor, factor VIII, resulting in excessive bleeding and bruising. Leukaemia and myeloma happen when there are too many abnormal cells in the blood and bone marrow (where blood cells are made). (2016). What Is the Treatment for Random Bruising? Drug-induced liver disease. There are several causes that may lead to unexplained bruising, like certain medications, nutrient deficiencies, and medical conditions. Thrombophilia typically has no symptoms until a blood clot develops. The tricky part is knowing which. White, G. (2008). Signs and symptoms of vasculitis. Medically unexplained symptoms - NHS 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. They can vary in color, and skin color may affect the appearance of a bruise. This doesn't mean the symptoms are faked or"all in the head" they're real and can affect your ability to function properly. Keeping an eye out for other unusual symptoms may help you determine if theres an underlying cause. Bernard-Soulier syndrome is a rare, inherited blood clotting disorder. eMedicineHealth. When blood isnt clotting like it should, bleeding can be heavier or longer than normal. Certain medications and supplements do carry with them the side effect of easier and random bruising. Physical symptoms can cause depression and anxiety, and these can in turn make the physical symptoms worse, creatinga vicious circle. Medications can also hinder the blood clotting process and inhibit platelet function. In many cases, unexplained or random bruises arent a cause for concern and will likely disappear on their own in a couple of weeks. Cancer - Signs and symptoms - NHS As the days go by, the blood in the bruise breaks down further and should turn a purple color (and in some cases, even black). J Am Acad Dermatol. People who have cancer and are struggling to eat may also experience vitamin deficiencies that impact the bloods ability to clot. Bruises, Cleveland Clinic; https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/bruises, last accessed August 28, 2017. This can cause your platelet count to drop, which will impact your bloods ability to clot and lead to easy bruising and bleeding. 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. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. People with ITP may develop bruises for no apparent reason. Now, youve read about what causes bruises, so it may seem a little odd that a bruise should suddenly form on its own. What's causing me to bruise so easily and what I do to prevent it? Thrombophilia means that your blood has an increased tendency to clot. Anyone who suspects liver or kidney disease should consult a doctor. Oftentimes, you can reduce your risk for future bruising by making sure youre getting the right nutrients in your diet. Unexplained Bruising on Legs: What You Need to Know - Healthline Some deficiencies include vitamin C deficiency and vitamin K deficiency. Random or unexplained bruising on legs can happen for a number of reasons. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. These types of exercises can, at times, cause tears in the blood cells under the skin and lead to bruising. Experts say prevention programs are needed. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. The hyper pigmentation is usually dark in color and can look like bruising even though it is not. Intensive exercising can cause unexplained bruises in the parts of your body under stress. Signs and symptoms of acute lymphocytic leukemia. A person with kidney disease bruises easily due to a loss of skin elasticity. suggest a visit to your, Yes since you inject in this site very common to injure the. Take a few drops of helichrysum essential oil and mix it with a tablespoon of a carrier oil like coconut or almond oil. People with immune thrombocytopenia have a low platelet count, and bruising can also appear for no reason. 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. This essential oil can help reduce swelling and increase blood circulation, which can help the bruise heal faster. A fresh bruise will usually appear red, blue, or purple. Erickson, F. (2014). A bone bruise is a type of bruise that occurs when blood and fluid build up inside and around an injured bone. Bruises and blood spots under the skin. A poor diet can affect health in a number of negative ways, and vitamin deficiencies can contribute to random bruising. Bruises that are caused by underlying health conditions are addressed by treating the specific condition or disease. 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. Some of the warning signs that a person needs medical attention include bruising that: causes an arm or leg to become numb causes loss of function of a joint, limb or muscle keeps growing in size. Why do I bruise do easily? This can result in random bruising or larger bruises from trauma to the skin.3. Shmerling, R. H. (2018). Vitamin K is one of the nutrients that help blood to clot. Swelling or a raised bump on your skin (hematoma). People can prevent vitamin deficiencies by making dietary changes and taking supplements. Bleeding disorders. These conditions require proper diagnosis and treatment. Bruising occurs when blood becomes trapped under the skin, usually following an impact injury that damages small blood vessels. According to Dr. Debra Jaliman on WebMD, vigorous exercise like lifting weights or intensive training can cause tiny tears in blood vessels under the skin.10. This is a type of cancer that affects your blood as well as your bone marrow. Without treatment, these may increase in size, join together, and form larger bruises. She is an assistant clinical professor of family medicine at Quinnipiac University and works in private practice in Hartford, Connecticut.