However, bruises arent typically something to worry about, and they tend to heal on their own in a few days or weeks. Other symptoms of iron deficiency include: Although rare in healthy adults, vitamin K deficiencies can slow the rate at which blood clots. Cushing syndrome develops when you have too much cortisol in your blood. Side effects: Anticoagulant medicines. 5. Here's what might be causing them and how theyre treated. Bruising: Spontaneous signs of bruising (ecchymoses) can occur after taking aspirin or Aleve (naproxen) or with certain blood or liver disorders. Learn more about bruises on dark skin here. For example, cirrhosis is the result of continuous long-term damage, and bruising easily is a symptom. Learn about breathing exercises for stress. 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Random bruising could be a sign of a health issue that should be checked out. 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. For example, being in the sun too long, aging, or a vitamin deficiency can weaken small blood vessels near the skin's surface. (2009). You notice bruises on your legs or other areas of your body for no apparent reason. And yes, getting older also means that we will be a little more prone to injury. Spontaneous bruising is very common after 45-50 years of age and also depends upon the skin type. Other symptoms of vitamin K deficiency include: If you suspect that your bruising is a result of deficiency, see a healthcare provider. They contain a compound called tannin. The forensic science behind bruise healing [Infographic]. (2009). (2011). 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. 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. Von Willebrand disease. Dr. Dennis Lee on MedicineNet says that along with random bruises, liver disease can turn the skin yellow and cause all over body itching. Bruises. Chronic skin fragility of aging: current concepts in the pathogenesis, recognition, and management of dermatoporosis. Hemophilia A and hemophilia B are hereditary conditions that cause blood not to clot as easy or as much as other people. Without treatment, these may increase in size, join together, and form larger bruises. There are several causes that may lead to unexplained bruising, like certain medications, nutrient deficiencies, and medical conditions. A few bruises rarely indicates a problem. If unexplained . 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. Mix a few drops of chamomile essential oil with a carrier oil like almond or coconut oil. Bruises, also referred to as contusions, occur when there is an injury to tissues underneath the skin. The aim of CBT is tohelp you to manage your symptoms by enabling you to understand links between your symptoms, worries, feelings and how you cope. WebMD. Sign Up for the Latest Health News and Tips, Home General Health Unexplained Bruising: Causes, Diabetes Connection & the Life-Cycle of a Bruise. Once the mixture is cool, tighten the lid and place into the fridge until needed. Hydrocolloid bandages are used to treat open, superficial wounds and open pimples. Bruising is the most common injury sustained by children who have been subject to physical abuse. This can also help you to determine if you should see a doctor about unexplained bruises that have appeared on your body. Bruises, eMedicine Health; http://www.emedicinehealth.com/bruises/article_em.htm, last accessed August 28, 2017. Search. Supplements like ginkgo biloba, ginger, turmeric, and St. Johns Wort also carry similar blood thinning issues. It can cause excessive bleeding which leads to easy 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. Leukaemia and myeloma happen when there are too many abnormal cells in the blood and bone marrow (where blood cells are made). This inflammations natural side effect is unexplained bruises. (2018). Drugs. But first, we need to look at the different types of bruises and what causes them. However, unexplained bruising by itself isnt the only symptom of a bleeding disorder. 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. Bruising often occurs when blood vessels beneath the skin incur. Bruises often change colors as they heal. In some people, random bruising may be impacted by their genes simply because of how they are physically built. Dyer JM, Miller RA. 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. Along with the discoloration associated with a bruise, hematomas can also cause the area to feel hard or firm to the touch. Sporadic bruising usually isnt cause for worry. Know the symptoms and what to do if you experience them. After a few hours, the blood loses oxygen, and the bruise turns bluish in color. Thats because your body needs iron to keep your blood cells healthy. Keeping an eye out for other unusual symptoms may help you determine if theres an underlying cause. It is more commonly associated with specific insects. There may be a blood clotting issue or another underlying condition that needs treatment. Shmerling, R. H. (2018). Anyone who suspects liver or kidney disease should consult a doctor. Other common symptoms of a bleeding disorder include: Sepsis is an infection that causes a buildup of toxins in the blood or tissues. Intensive exercising can cause unexplained bruises in the parts of your body under stress. Oftentimes, you can reduce your risk for future bruising by making sure youre getting the right nutrients in your diet. Managing stressis very important because it's been linked to problems such as pain and IBS. The bruise is caused when blood cells are damaged, and blood leaks into the top layers of the skin. I've had the flu now my stomach and part of my back is bruised what could be the cause? Easy bruising and bleeding. Bleeding and bruising. Bleeding and bruising in cancer patients. It can be used as part of an ointment like the one described below. Medications can also hinder the blood clotting process and inhibit platelet function. Most bruises form when small blood vessels (capillaries) near the skin's surface are broken by the impact of a blow or injury often on the arms or legs. Without enough platelets, the blood has trouble clotting. However, medicine isn't always the answer painkillers or sedatives, for example,may lead to dependence. Extensive bruising secondary to vitamin C deficiency. One health issue that can arise from a lack of nutrients is unexplained bruising. 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. Yes: Yes, it is possible, but should not happen. Ibuprofen (oral route). Broken blood vessels on the face can happen to anyone at any age. That being said, you should see your doctor if: Its difficult to avoid bruising completely, especially when the cause is unknown. Type 1 diabetes: symptoms. People that are active should take special precautions while participating in physical activities to prevent injuries that could lead to bruises. Case study and clinical findings]. The liver is an organ that helps the body create many chemicals that are involved in clotting. Physical symptoms can cause depression and anxiety, and these can in turn make the physical symptoms worse, creatinga vicious circle. A person with kidney disease bruises easily due to a loss of skin elasticity. Sex can also affect bruising as women tend to bruise more easily than men. 7 signs and symptoms not to ignore. The RICE method for getting rid of a bruise is:11. When you combine this with everything mentioned above, bruises begin to be a more likely and repeated occurrence. This can result in bruising easily on your legs or other areas of your body. (n.d.). MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. It is rare in adults, generally occurring in the neonatal period. This may result from an uptick in your bodys natural cortisol production or overuse of corticosteroid medications. Using intervals of ice and heat can help ease the pain of a bruise and get the healing process started. What is the latest research on the form of cancer Jimmy Carter has? Canadian Cancer Society. For many people, reaching an older age also brings with it medications and medical conditions that make it easier for your body to bruise. They generally affect the back, legs, and hands. Sun-damaged skin. People with sepsis often develop a cluster of tiny blood spots, resembling pinpricks in the skin (petechiae) or purple areas (purpura). My husband woke up this morning with a bruise on the lower left of his stomach he did not hit anything what could be the cause. Paediatr Child Health. Treating pain with hot and cold can be extremely effective for a number of different conditions and injuries. A hematoma tends to be the result of a greater trauma than ecchymosis. As a result, hemophilia sufferers bleed longer and bruise easier. 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. Most often, a ruptured spleen is caused by blunt force trauma. They typically arise due to an underlying health condition such as diabetes. Bruises that take longer than usual to disappear are another concern. Apply a warm, wet tea bag to the bruise two or three times a day for best results. They aid in the formation of red blood cells, help maintain mineral levels, and lower your cholesterol. Dr. Cunha says that it will take between one to two weeks for bruises to completely heal.2. What Do Your PT/INR and PTT Results Mean? what is this and the cause ? Chronic skin fragility of aging: current concepts in the pathogenesis, recognition, and management of dermatoporosis. Easy bruising after minimal or no trauma is thought to occur due to platelet dysfunction and capillary fragility. Case study and clinical findings]. 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. However, it should not appear in isolation and may appear alongside fatigue, appetite loss, abdominal pain, and nausea. Medicine such asantidepressantscan be helpful, even if you're not depressed. 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. But, there are a couple of essential oils that work particularly well with bruises. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. If you notice abnormal bleeding under your skin after a sunburn, you should call your doctor for a checkup.9. What are bruises? J Am Acad Dermatol. Article Sources Bruises happen when an injury causes blood to leak into the skin. This can cause blood vessels to burst and leak blood into the surrounding area. Read on to learn more about unexplained bruising, what causes it, and when to seek medical attention. Icelandic. Take a few drops of helichrysum essential oil and mix it with a tablespoon of a carrier oil like coconut or almond oil. 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. It may also result from pricking the skin to test your blood sugar or injecting insulin. Bleeding disorders. People who have cancers in parts of the body responsible for blood production, like the liver, may also experience unusual clotting. For the most part, bruises will eventually heal on their own. See a doctor if you suspect your symptoms are a result of von Willebrand disease. For example, vitamin C is used by the body to strengthen blood vessels. 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. 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. (n.d.). MedlinePlus. All rights reserved. When the liver is damaged, it stops producing the proteins required for blood clotting. There are a number of things you can do yourself that may help. Mayo Clinic Staff. Venosa, A., Unexplained Bruising Have You Feeling Blue? American Cancer Society. Several medicines are also associated with spontaneo Dr. Gurmukh Singh and another doctor agree. Taking certain medications and growing older are often at the root of the problem. 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. Women tend to bruise more easily than men. Educational text answers on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription. In many cases, random bruising doesnt require any treatment at all and will heal on its own. Serious liver disease can cause easy bruising because the liver cant produce enough blood clotting factors. Specific medications include: Blood thinners are given to people who have issues with blood clotting. Bleeding disorders may cause large bruises to develop without any explanation. Bleeding under the skin may also present as pinprick-sized red or purple dots that resemble a rash. Required for collagen production, boosting the immune system, and maintaining antioxidant activity, vitamin C is versatile and vital to health. Heart failure: Could a low sodium diet sometimes do more harm than good? The presentation of a fussy infant with bruising: late-onset vitamin K deficiency bleeding. Doctors from the Mayo Clinic explain that aging causes the protective fatty layer in the skin to become thinner. The fatty layer of our skin begins to thin as we get older. 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. There are some hereditary conditions and bleeding disorders that can cause issues with bruising. You may havea thorough physical examination and blood tests. NHS. 2018;11(1):13-18. Vitamin K deficiency. Hemophilia A is a genetic condition that affects the bloods ability to clot. However, there are early warning signs of diabetes that can indicate you are at risk for developing the disease. Random bruising may happen without a clear cause or injury. (2018). Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Dr. William Blahd on WebMD says that if your parents bruised easily, there is a greater chance that random bruising will affect you as well.7. Thrombophilia means that your blood has an increased tendency to clot. Excessive insulin can trigger hyper pigmentation in the areas of the body where there are natural folds of skin, such as the groin, armpits, and neck. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Vitamin K. Another method of treating an unexpected bruise is using essential oils. 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. Warm applications tend to dissolve this type of clot. However, if the discoloration does not heal within a few weeks, it is worth talking to a doctor. Vitamin deficiencies of various sorts can lead to unexplained bruises. This accounts for around 75% of all cases of thrombocytopenia in pregnancy. (2016). suggest a visit to your, Yes since you inject in this site very common to injure the. Bruising is common. Random bruising caused by diabetes occurs when the condition affects the blood vessels and causes peripheral vascular disease. However, not all bruising has a simple explanation. Certain medications and supplements do carry with them the side effect of easier and random bruising. Cancer. Symptoms of a bruise include: Pain or tenderness (sore feeling) when you touch the bruise. Our gait becomes more unstable, and we bump into things a little more than we used to. If youve recently overdone it at the gym, you may develop bruises around the affected muscles. If the liver is affected by a disease, it can impact the production of those chemicals and influence blood clotting, allowing the body to bruise easier. How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0019483216300074, https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/bernard-soulier-syndrome, https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/bleeding-bruising, https://www.leukaemiacare.org.uk/support-and-information/latest-from-leukaemia-care/blog/spotting-the-difference-bruising-in-leukaemia-vs-ordinary-bruising/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6dC6woaY6gIV0u7tCh1REQm5EAAYASAAEgLGyPD_BwE, https://ashpublications.org/blood/article/130/21/2271/36666/Thrombocytopenia-in-pregnancy, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5394486/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK536983/, https://online.nursing.georgetown.edu/the-forensic-science-behind-bruise-healing-infographic/, https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/factor-v-deficiency, https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/6481/gardner-diamond-syndrome, https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/immune-thrombocytopenia, https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/632, https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/prednisolone/, https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/conditions-and-treatments/conditions-we-treat/septicaemia, https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/are-you-taking-too-much-anti-inflammatory-medication-2018040213540, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/anticoagulants/side-effects/, https://liverfoundation.org/for-patients/about-the-liver/the-progression-of-liver-disease/, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/septicemia, https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/vwd/facts.html, https://aakp.org/whats-causing-me-to-bruise-so-easily-and-what-i-do-to-prevent-it/. The ultra violet rays of the sun can lead to bruises under the skin. WebMD. However, taking anticoagulants and antibiotics that interfere with vitamin K production may cause deficiencies. 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. 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. 1999 Aug;41(2 Pt 1):207-8. Unexplained leg bruising can be due to liver disease, nutritional deficiencies, autoimmune conditions, and other disorders. Tea bags, specifically black tea bags, can help heal a bruise faster. This is due to weakening blood vessels that are more prone to breakage even with slight injury to the area. Unexplained bruising can be the result of numerous causes from aging and vitamin deficiencies to diabetes. 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. Symptoms can occur at any age, but most severe cases tend to occur during childhood. 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. Tannins can help contract the blood vessels which in turn can help heal a bruise quicker. Unexplained Bruising on Your Body: Causes and Treatments was last modified: July 17th, 2019 by Jenny Hills, Nutritionist and Medical Writer. In rare cases, one of the following conditions may cause random bruising. People who take blood thinners bruise more easily. Why is my stomach bruising for no reason? Bruises and blood spots under your skin. American Diabetes Association. Take the mixture and pour it into a muslin bag and squeeze it into a pan. The GP should also investigate whether you might have an associated problem, such asdepression or anxiety. Phys Ther. Diseases like cancer and diabetes, as well as other medical conditions, become more prevalent as we get older. (2017). Vitamin K is one of the nutrients that help blood to clot. If diabetes has already been diagnosed, your bruising may simply be a result of slow wound healing. Vitamin C: Fact sheet for consumers. If you arent getting enough vitamin C, your skin may begin to bruise easily, resulting in random bruising. This can help reduce the swelling as well as the coloring of the bruise. Chamomile essential oil, and Roman chamomile, in particular, is often used for its anti-inflammatory properties. Many essential oils are used to treat various injuries and maladies. Vitamin C, for example, supports your immune system and aids in wound healing. Here are 10 easy treatments to lessen the pain and reduce the visibility. Blood thinners prevent this clotting, which makes it easier for bruises to develop following minor injuries because of the excessive pooling of blood underneath the skin. MayoClinic. Amitrano, L. et al., Coagulation disorders in liver disease, Seminars in Liver Disease, February 2002; 22(1): 83-96. But what about more subtle symptoms? The good news is that yellow is usually the final color in the healing process and usually occurs within seven to 10 days. Another indication of possible leukemia is lots of bruises with no indication as to a cause. What's causing me to bruise so easily and what I do to prevent it? Non-Hodgkins lymphoma is a cancer that starts in lymphocyte cells, which are part of the immune system. Easy bruising is sometimes a symptom of the late stages of chronic kidney disease. DOI:10.1055/s-2002-23205, last accessed August 2017. 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. Cancer. There are a few autoimmune diseases that can, in some way, make it easier for the body to bruise. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. I have a bruise on my stomach where my appendix should be.. should i be worried? Bruising or bleeding that is unexplained Lumps or swellings Shortness of breath (breathlessness) Drenching night sweats Infections that are persistent, recurrent or severe Fever (38C or above) that is unexplained Rash or itchy skin that is unexplained Pain in your bones, joints or abdomen (stomach area) I have a bruise on the bottom left side of my stomach. Let's look at symptoms and treatments. Always mention any unusual bruising during pregnancy to a doctor or midwife. WebMD. If you're in pain, a pharmacist can recommend: stronger painkillers 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. Cushing syndrome. Many viral infections can cause thrombocytopenia. Random or unexplained bruising on legs can happen for a number of reasons. One cause of random bruising on legs or bruises that appear after a minor injury is a vitamin deficiency. However, random, sporadic bruising may be a symptom of something less obvious, especially if there are other symptoms. Older people tend to bruise easily because of changes to their skin as they age. Some autoimmune diseases that cause unexplained random bruising are: There are some serious advanced medical conditions that can also cause unexplained bruising on your body. People with ITP may develop bruises for no apparent reason. 2004-2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. Some medications can lead to easy or random bruising because of how they affect the body.