The occasional bruise is a part of life. But if you develop a bruise with every bang and bump, should you be concerned?
Bruises are typically harmless. When you bump into something or fall, the force can break the tiny blood vessels just beneath your skin. Your body reacts quickly and seals the broken blood vessels with small clots, but not before a small amount of blood leaks out. If the injury doesn't break the skin, that blood gets trapped beneath the surface, forming a bruise.
If you have fragile blood vessels or clotting issues, bruises can form more readily, be larger or last longer. The key is understanding those underlying issues.
Here are four common reasons you may be bruising easily:
1. Natural aging
Skin changes with age. Four age-related changes can lead to increased bruising:
- Blood vessels become more fragile, so they break more easily.
- Skin loses elasticity, so it can't stretch to accommodate an external blow.
- Skin has less collagen, the protein that keeps skin thick and strong.
- Fat loss under your skin leaves less cushion to absorb a bump, bang or injury.
Environmental factors and how well you take care of your skin can also play a role in how easily you bruise. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays and accumulated skin damage can weaken blood vessel walls and put you at a higher risk for bruising.
2. Medications and supplements
When certain medications and supplements circulate through your system, they can affect your blood and weaken your blood vessels. They can also reduce your blood platelets — which stick together to form blood clots.
Drugs that may increase your risk of bruising include:
- Blood thinners, including aspirin or warfarin
- Chemotherapy for cancer
- Corticosteroids, such as prednisone
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen
Some herbal supplements can also interfere with blood clotting or act as blood thinners. Those supplements include:
- Chamomile
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Ginkgo
- Ginseng
- Turmeric
Do not stop taking a prescription medication if you notice increased bruising — even if you are concerned that the drug may be the cause. Talk to your prescribing physician first.
3. Nutrient deficiencies
Getting the right vitamins and minerals is critical to support healthy healing and prevent excessive bruising. You may be more likely to bruise if you are lacking in certain nutrients, such as:
- Vitamin B, which helps bruises heal, keeps skin strong and promotes healthy blood flow
- Vitamin C, which builds collagen and strengthens blood vessels and connective tissues
- Vitamin K, which is vital for blood clotting
- Zinc, which supports skin strength, tissue growth and healing
Food is the best source of vitamins and minerals. To ensure you are getting all the nutrients you need, eat whole foods and consider adding more plant-based foods to your daily diet.
4. Underlying health issues
Increased bruising can sometimes be a symptom of an undiagnosed health issue, such as:
- Blood disorder, such as thrombocytopenia (low platelets)
- Inherited disorder, such as hemophilia
- Liver condition, caused by heavy drinking or some cancers
Bruising that looks more like a rash of tiny bruises (purpura) or red, pinpoint spots (petechiae) may not be a bruise at all. It might be a sign that you are bleeding into the skin for another reason. Purpura and petechiae are more common in older adults and can be symptoms of several different health issues, including:
- Bleeding disorders
- Blood clotting disorders
- Infections
- Injuries
- Viruses
When to see a healthcare professional for bruises
Bruises can take weeks to heal, and there is not much you can do to speed up the process. Taking acetaminophen can help with tenderness and pain, and ice — wrapped in a clean towel — can help with any swelling.
Consult a healthcare professional if you experience:
- Bruises that are not changing in color, fading or going away
- Bruising without a reason, such as an injury, accident or household mishap
- Changes in where or how often you bruise
- Increased bruising after beginning a new medication
- Large and painful bruising that follows an injury and affects your ability to move
- Signs of infection, such as a fever or streaky redness around the bruise
After performing a physical exam, your provider may review your medical history, current symptoms and medications. They may also order additional testing to rule out or confirm an underlying cause.
