For others, the symptoms may be part of a poorly understood syndrome, such as: The fact that doctors are unable to find a condition causing these symptoms isn't unusual in medicine, and it doesn't mean that nothing can be done to help you. There are a number of things you can do yourself that may help. WebMD. The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology reported that ascorbic acid (vitamin C) helps to strengthen blood vessels and prevent them breaking. Bleeding disorders may cause large bruises to develop without any explanation. The liver is an organ that helps the body create many chemicals that are involved in clotting. However, not all bruising has a simple explanation. This can cause the bruise to take on a green color or tinge. Medications can also hinder the blood clotting process and inhibit platelet function. Widespread bruising or petechial rash would be concernin Dr. John Munshower and another doctor agree. People who have cancer often experience excessive bleeding and bruising. While there's no evidence of a specific genetic component that drives random bruising, studies have shown that people who bruise easily often have close family members who suffer from easy bruising. it is not painful. They aid in the formation of red blood cells, help maintain mineral levels, and lower your cholesterol. Broken blood vessels on the face can happen to anyone at any age. I've had the flu now my stomach and part of my back is bruised what could be the cause? Cancer. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 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If youve recently overdone it at the gym, you may develop bruises around the affected muscles. Medications such as anticoagulants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroids reduce the bloods ability to clot. You have severe pain in the bruised part of your body. Supplements like ginkgo biloba, ginger, turmeric, and St. Johns Wort also carry similar blood thinning issues. Iron: Iron is vital for healthy blood cells. Late-stage kidney disease often has unexplained or easy bruising as a side effect, but not necessarily due to the disease itself. Bruising in leukaemia VS ordinary bruising. 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. Ann Rheum Dis. American Society of Hematology. But what about more subtle symptoms? Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. It aids in the delivery of oxygen throughout the body to cells and without adequate oxygen, skin becomes more likely to bruise. This type of bruising is the one you are most familiar with. The National Hemophilia Foundation. Read on to learn more about unexplained bruising, what causes it, and when to seek medical attention. Now, youve read about what causes bruises, so it may seem a little odd that a bruise should suddenly form on its own. For example, vitamin C is used by the body to strengthen blood vessels. (2018). Many essential oils are used to treat various injuries and maladies. This condition occurs when your body makes too much or too little clotting chemicals. What Do Your PT/INR and PTT Results Mean? When the bruise turns yellow, its because more bilirubin is responsible for breaking down the blood and when it turns green, it is the action of biliverdin. WebMD. Sign Up for the Latest Health News and Tips, Home General Health Unexplained Bruising: Causes, Diabetes Connection & the Life-Cycle of a Bruise. Bruises that take longer than usual to disappear are another concern. MayoClinic. You should also speak to a GP if you have any unexplained bleeding, such as: blood in your urine vaginal bleeding between periods vaginal bleeding a year or more after the menopause ( postmenopausal bleeding) bleeding from your bottom blood when you cough blood in your vomit Lumps Vitamin K is needed to help blood clot properly and prevent random bruising. This can result in bruising easily on your legs or other areas of your body. 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. When you strain a muscle, you injure muscle tissue deep under the skin. Learn more about what the colors of a bruise mean here. 2018;11(1):13-18. Hills, J., How to Get Rid of Bruises Naturally (According to Research), Healthy and Natural World; http://www.healthyandnaturalworld.com/get-rid-of-bruises/, last accessed August 28, 2017. A few bruises rarely indicates a problem. There are several nutrient deficiencies associated with easy or random bruising, including: Although vitamin deficiencies can lead to random bruising across the entire body, one case report found the bruising to be localized to the legs. Anticoagulants used for dialysis, as well as the anemia caused by kidney disease, can cause low platelet production. Paediatr Child Health. Many people have persistent physical complaints, such as dizziness or pain, that don't appear to be symptoms of a medical condition. 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. a rash that looks like small bruises or reddish-purple spots (this may be less obvious on brown or black skin) joint pain; tummy (abdominal) pain; diarrhoea; being sick; blood in urine or poo; Henoch-Schnlein purpura is not usually serious and often gets better without treatment. When blood doesnt clot quickly, more of it pools beneath the skin and forms a bruise. The RICE method for getting rid of a bruise is:11. Start with an ice pack wrapped in a towel (not directly on the skin). Bruises range in size, shape and color depending on the type of bruise, cause and location. Has an estimated prevalence of 1 in 15,000-20,000 and is generally inherited as an autosomal dominant condition. much larger than a dime. Hemophilia A and hemophilia B are hereditary conditions that cause blood not to clot as easy or as much as other people. Certain medications and supplements do carry with them the side effect of easier and random bruising. Unexplained bruising on your legs is one of the signs of advanced diabetes. The syndrome causes easy bruising because it can lead to thinning skin. Is my bruising normal? Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a group of inherited conditions that affect the connective tissues. People with sepsis often develop a cluster of tiny blood spots, resembling pinpricks in the skin (petechiae) or purple areas (purpura). It is impossible to completely prevent bruising. 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). From unexplained weight loss to sudden flashes of light, take note of important symptoms, and know when to seek medical care. Skin manifestations of Cushing's syndrome. Here are 10 easy treatments to lessen the pain and reduce the visibility. People who have this condition have joints that move far beyond the typical range of motion and stretchy skin. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Also, UV rays can contribute to the dermatoporosis effect in the skin. Learn about breathing exercises for stress. When certain blood vessels are damaged, blood platelets bind together to repair the issue. Individuals should speak with a doctor. Please note, we cannot prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other abusable medications. Autoimmune disorders occur when the body produces antibodies that attack its own tissues rather than fight infections. Ehlers-Danlos-heilkenni af gerd IV. Oftentimes, you can reduce your risk for future bruising by making sure youre getting the right nutrients in your diet. Some studies suggest that certain dietary supplements such as fish oil, garlic, and ginseng may also be factors in bleeding and bruising. If it doesn't resolve on it's own, see your family doctor. It is more commonly associated with specific insects. This is due to weakening blood vessels that are more prone to breakage even with slight injury to the area. May occur following a lack of fresh fruit and vegetables over prolonged periods of time. Blood platelets are specific cells that exist within the blood. Unexplained leg bruising can be due to liver disease, nutritional deficiencies, autoimmune conditions, and other disorders. People who are prone to bruising may not remember a minor trauma and assume that the bruise has appeared out of nowhere. Without treatment, these may increase in size, join together, and form larger bruises. Mayo Clinic Staff. 2-3 weeks apart. 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. Some people also bruise more easily than others and a seemingly insignificant knock may leave a black and blue dark patch on their skin. Therefore, treatment options will vary widely if you are experiencing bruising because of a health condition. 2006 Oct; 65(10): 13411345. The bruise doesnt heal within two weeks. Repeat this two or three times a day until the bruise has healed. 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. According to Dr. Melinda Ratini on WebMD, peripheral vascular disease commonly affects the legs.12 The journal Physical Therapy says that a complication of diabetes is bruising or injuries that dont heal.13. Phys Ther. Another method of treating an unexpected bruise is using essential oils. Treatingan associatedpsychological problem can often relieve the physical symptoms. Other common causes of blood spots include low blood platelets, blood clotting disorders, inflammation in the blood vessels, and vitamin C deficiency. (n.d.). This can cause blood vessels to burst and leak blood into the surrounding area. However, medicine isn't always the answer painkillers or sedatives, for example,may lead to dependence. Case study and clinical findings]. Sporadic bruising usually isnt cause for worry. The good news is that yellow is usually the final color in the healing process and usually occurs within seven to 10 days. This may help speed the healing process because it lowers inflammation and prevents more blood from pooling in the area. Bernard-Soulier syndrome is a rare, inherited blood clotting disorder. Intense exercise can leave you with more than just sore muscles. Someone who takes medication and has random bruising should speak to a doctor for advice and to discuss their drug and family medical history. (2009). Dr. John Cunha on eMedicineHealth explains that discoloration on the skin is caused by tiny blood vessels breaking under the skin. Experiencing random bruising can be alarming, but it doesnt always warrant a visit to your doctor. Von Willebrand disease is a genetic disorder that affects your bloods ability to clot. If they do not, the bruise might be the underlying sign of a larger health issue. Ginger should also be used with care if you take medication to thin the blood. You have systemic symptoms such as fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes or unintentional weight loss along with unexplained bruising. They can vary in color, and skin color may affect the appearance of a bruise. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. When your blood takes longer to clot, more of it leaks from your blood vessels and accumulates under your skin. The colour of the bumps and patches usually changes and fades, like a bruise. HealthTap uses cookies to enhance your site experience and for analytics and advertising purposes. Chemotherapy, for example, can cause changes to the blood platelets, making them easier to strain and break, causing bruising. The signs and symptoms of internal bleeding may include: Lightheadedness Pain Shortness of breath Tingling of the hands or feet Changes in vision Nausea or vomiting Sudden, profuse sweating Bruising Changes in mental status Loss of consciousness Site-Specific Symptoms Internal bleeding in specific parts of the body may lead to distinct symptoms. Usually, these diseases are accompanied by other symptoms and random bruising occurs in the later stages of the disease. This is because women have more fragile blood vessels and may bruise more easily on their legs, upper arms, or buttocks. I have bruise appeared on the inside of my stomach to my right oh belly button what cause it only hurts when i touch, what to do? Its good to remember that in most cases the cause of unexplained bruising is nothing to worry about. 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. DOI: 10.1136/bcr.08.2008.0750. Educational text answers on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription. An approach to investigation of easy bruising. Usually, bruises disappear in about two weeks. Bleeding disorders occur when the blood doesnt clot as it should. This can result in bruising easily on your legs or other areas of your body. Vitamin C: Vitamin C is important for many reasons, one being wound healing. Whenever this blood gets trapped under the surface of the skin, it will form a bruise. Can poor sleep impact your weight loss goals? Some deficiencies include vitamin C deficiency and vitamin K deficiency. Learn more. Also, as we get older, we tend to lose a little bit of our balance and coordination. Some people may be more susceptible to random bruising than others, and depending on the circumstance, you may want to see a healthcare professional. But other symptoms, such as joint pain, may last several weeks or months. Once the mixture is cool, tighten the lid and place into the fridge until needed. (n.d.). Skin manifestations of Cushing's syndrome. When this happens, blood leaks out of the vessels and initially appears as a dark mark. Hemophilia is a genetic condition wherein people lack either clotting factor VIII or IX, resulting in excessive bruising. any help? Clotting screen (prothrombin time [PT], activated partial thromboplastin time [aPTT], and international normalized ratio [INR] if the person is taking . For the most part, a bruise will heal on its own within two to four weeks. Although your stomach and back can be. DOI:10.1055/s-2002-23205, last accessed August 2017. Here are the signs you may need to see a doctor. Sjukratilfelli og sjukdomseinkenni [Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type IV. To learn more, please visit our. Vitamin C supplements are also used to help reduce random bruising in patients suffering from skin diseases that cause bruising.5, According to MedlinePlus, vitamin K plays a major role in blood clotting. If your skin shows signs of a sunburn, like reddened skin, skin tender to touch, and blisters, you can get relief from sunburn using natural remedies like aloe vera, honey, witch hazel, or oatmeal. 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. Learn more about these serious fractures, how theyre treated, and what to expect. Shmerling, R. H. (2018). 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. Platelets are cells that help the blood to clot and stop bleeding. A bruise is also known as a contusion. 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. See a doctor if you suspect your symptoms are a result of von Willebrand disease. Why do I bruise so easily? Doctors typically provide answers within 24 hours. Venosa, A., Unexplained Bruising Have You Feeling Blue? When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Women tend to bruise more easily than men. Older adults often experience random bruising as part of the natural aging process. People who take blood thinners bruise more easily. Vitamin K. Possible causes of medically unexplained symptoms Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Diabetes can cause peripheral vascular disease. Spontaneous bruising is very common after 45-50 years of age and also depends upon the skin type. (2018). For example, a lack of vitamin C can lead to scurvy which causes unexplained bruising and bleeding. Other symptoms may include weight loss . Researchers are expressing concerns over the number of bicycle accidents involving drugs. Some medications can lead to easy or random bruising because of how they affect the body. It can cause excessive bleeding which leads to easy bruising. There may be a blood clotting issue or another underlying condition that needs treatment. 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. (2009). A blunt trauma injury can cause your spleen to rupture. 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. Iron deficiency anemia. For many people, reaching an older age also brings with it medications and medical conditions that make it easier for your body to bruise. Certain health conditions, medications, and even inherited disorders can cause random bruising. According to the NHS website and WebMD, you should see your doctor if you have unexplained bruising along with any of the following symptoms:23, 24. The red coloring is due to the fresh blood near the surface of the skin. The first is that the disease itself may cause the bruise. It is known for being able to keep blood inside a blood vessel, even after an injury has occurred. Why do I bruise do easily? 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. AAFP. Bruises happen to all of us, and there is no way to avoid them. What are bruises?