WebMD. Sunburn can take a long time to heal and its effects can be long-lasting. MayoClinic. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. As a result, there is less body material to cushion a blow, so the body gets bruised easily. Vitamin K. (2018). AAFP. Bruises look like big purple spots with clear edges, and you're younger than 65. This means that a minor bump or injury can cause large or lumpy bruises. What causes unexplained bruising? Although the specific protein involved in this disorder is different than the one associated with hemophilia A, the conditions share the same symptoms. There are several causes that may lead to unexplained bruising, like certain medications, nutrient deficiencies, and medical conditions. Chronic skin fragility of aging: current concepts in the pathogenesis, recognition, and management of dermatoporosis. The colour of the bumps and patches usually changes and fades, like a bruise. May occur following a lack of fresh fruit and vegetables over prolonged periods of time. Be aware that certain clotting disorders may be a factor. Bruise symptoms and signs. They aid in the formation of red blood cells, help maintain mineral levels, and lower your cholesterol. Yes: Yes, it is possible, but should not happen. She is an assistant clinical professor of family medicine at Quinnipiac University and works in private practice in Hartford, Connecticut. All rights reserved. But what about more subtle 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. The ultra violet rays of the sun can lead to bruises under the skin. Unfortunately, as we get older, getting unexplained bruises becomes more of a fact of life due to skin changes and medications. 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. Once the mixture is cool, tighten the lid and place into the fridge until needed. The following are some possible causes of random bruising. Consuming certain nutrients may help reduce your risk. Iron deficiency anemia. Blood platelets are specific cells that exist within the blood. Leukaemia and myeloma happen when there are too many abnormal cells in the blood and bone marrow (where blood cells are made). Always mention any unusual bruising during pregnancy to a doctor or midwife. Random bruising could be a sign of a health issue that should be checked out. Vitamin K cream or ointment may also be able to help in healing a bruise quicker. A 15-year-old boy with anemia and leg bruising. Usually, bruises disappear in about two weeks. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Sign Up for the Latest Health News and Tips, Home General Health Unexplained Bruising: Causes, Diabetes Connection & the Life-Cycle of a Bruise. I've noticed 3 bruises on my stomach for no apparent reason approx. 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. Vitamin C, for example, supports your immune system and aids in wound healing. Vitamin K deficiency. 2004-2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. Hydrocolloid bandages are used to treat open, superficial wounds and open pimples. Bruising in the geriatric population. Bruising is common. People that are active should take special precautions while participating in physical activities to prevent injuries that could lead to bruises. It is known for being able to keep blood inside a blood vessel, even after an injury has occurred. Bruising: Summary. 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. Mayo Clinic Staff. 2019;35(4):e70-e71. After a few hours, the blood loses oxygen, and the bruise turns bluish in color. Mayo Clinic Staff. (n.d.). (2018). This causes blood from damaged veins and capillaries to collect near the surface of the skin. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Many essential oils are used to treat various injuries and maladies. trom the flu, they shold not be bruised. 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. They can vary in color, and skin color may affect the appearance of a bruise. should i be concerned? Here's what might be causing them and how theyre treated. Is Diabetes and Unexplained Bruising Connected? When a person bruises easily, this can lead to random and unexplained bruises from everyday activities that would typically not cause bruising. 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. Unexplained bruising on your legs is one of the signs of advanced diabetes. Can poor sleep impact your weight loss goals? I would recommend being seen. An approach to investigation of easy bruising. WebMD. 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. Red spots, also called blood spots, can look similar to bruises, although they dont develop because of an injury. The tricky part is knowing which. WebMD. The forensic science behind bruise healing [Infographic]. Shmerling, R. H. (2018). The red coloring is due to the fresh blood near the surface of the skin. Mayo Clinic Staff. Angelica Bottaro is a writer with expertise in many facets of health including chronic disease, Lyme disease, nutrition as medicine, and supplementation. For example, being in the sun too long, aging, or a vitamin deficiency can weaken small blood vessels near the skins surface. Certain medications make you more susceptible to bruising. Signs and symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Late-stage kidney disease often has unexplained or easy bruising as a side effect, but not necessarily due to the disease itself. Manypeople with medically unexplained symptoms, such as tiredness, pain andheart palpitations,also have depression or anxiety. It is more commonly associated with specific insects. The good news is that yellow is usually the final color in the healing process and usually occurs within seven to 10 days. 2008 Nov; 88(11): 12541264. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a group of inherited conditions that affect the connective tissues. For example, a lack of vitamin C can lead to scurvy which causes unexplained bruising and bleeding. The progression of liver disease. (2009). I have a bruise on my stomach where my appendix should be.. should i be worried? It is the result of blood from damaged blood cells that are deep beneath the skin and collect near the skins surface. Older adults often experience random bruising as part of the natural aging process. Mix a few drops of chamomile essential oil with a carrier oil like almond or coconut oil. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. Let's look at symptoms and treatments. If you are taking blood-thinning medications, you may find that even a slight knock on your leg or arm can easily cause bruising. Here are 10 easy treatments to lessen the pain and reduce the visibility. 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. WebMD. If you are in pain because of the bruise, you can apply a cold compress to the area to slow down blood flow. Ehlers-Danlos-heilkenni af gerd IV. This article will expand on factors in and causes of random bruising and accompanying symptoms. Bleeding disorders. These bruises end up being a flat, purple-colored bruise. Skin discoloration (red to purple, black, brown or yellow). This accounts for around 75% of all cases of thrombocytopenia in pregnancy. However, if a person experiences other symptoms alongside random bruising, further investigation may be necessary. There is also the issue of acanthosis nigricans. Widespread bruising or petechial rash would be concernin Dr. John Munshower and another doctor agree. unexplained weight loss yellow skin and eyes (jaundice) dark urine abdominal pain and swelling nausea vomiting fatigue Medications, including chemotherapy and antibiotics, may also cause both. These spots, called purpura, are common in older adults but may be a sign of inflamed blood vessels in younger people. Has an estimated prevalence of 1 in 15,000-20,000 and is generally inherited as an autosomal dominant condition. (2017). Anyone who suspects liver or kidney disease should consult a doctor. If NHL spreads to the bone marrow, it can reduce the number of blood cells in your body. This damage causes the blood vessels to leak blood, leading to discoloration of the skin. But other symptoms, such as joint pain, may last several weeks or months. Mayo Clinic Staff. Ive been getting a bruise on my left upper ribcage and bruising on my lower right side on my stomach but i haven't had any injury to cause this.. 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. Treatingan associatedpsychological problem can often relieve the physical symptoms. Bruising often occurs when blood vessels beneath the skin incur. Clotting screen (prothrombin time [PT], activated partial thromboplastin time [aPTT], and international normalized ratio [INR] if the person is taking . Required for collagen production, boosting the immune system, and maintaining antioxidant activity, vitamin C is versatile and vital to health. They contain a compound called tannin. (2017). Bruises typically turn yellow or green roughly five to 10 days after your injury and do so because the body produces specific compounds to break down the blood that has gathered in the area. However, taking anticoagulants and antibiotics that interfere with vitamin K production may cause deficiencies. 2016;17(3):283-286. doi:10.1007/s11154-016-9399-3, Gudmundsdottir SA, Moller PH, Arngrimsson R. Ehlers-Danlos-heilkenni af gerd IV. Drugs. Achilles Tendon Rupture: Symptoms to Look For, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, Ruptured Spleen: Symptoms and Treatment in Adults and Children, Drug-Related Bicycle Accidents Drawing Concerns, a crawling or tingling feeling in your legs, cravings to eat things that are not food, such as ice, dirt, or clay, excessive bleeding from punctures or wounds, tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands or feet, severe bleeding after injuries, dental work, or surgeries, nosebleeds that last longer than 10 minutes, a cough, difficulty swallowing, or breathlessness (if the lymphoma is in the chest area), indigestion, stomach pain, or weight loss (if the lymphoma is in the stomach or bowel), excessive bleeding after injury, surgery, or childbirth, purple stretch marks on the breasts, arms, abdomen, and thighs, fatty tissue deposits in the face and upper back, a bruise that increases in size over time, a bruise that doesnt change within two weeks, severe night sweats (that soak through your clothes), unusually heavy periods or large blood clots in menstrual flow. You have systemic symptoms such as fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes or unintentional weight loss along with unexplained bruising. Signs and symptoms of non-hodgkin lymphoma. 2012;98(6):355-359. what would cause this? Extensive bruising secondary to vitamin C deficiency. Thrombocytopenia is a condition that affects blood clotting and can be caused by chickenpox, rubella, and mumps. And yes, getting older also means that we will be a little more prone to injury. They can advise you on any next steps. Home; Health A to Z; Back to Health A to Z Black eye. Sjukratilfelli og sjukdomseinkenni [Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type IV. There may be a blood clotting issue or another underlying condition that needs treatment. Medications such as anticoagulants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroids reduce the bloods ability to clot. The bruise is caused when blood cells are damaged, and blood leaks into the top layers of the skin. Ibuprofen (oral route). Bruises happen to all of us, and there is no way to avoid them. Other symptoms of iron deficiency include: Although rare in healthy adults, vitamin K deficiencies can slow the rate at which blood clots. Angelica Bottaro is a professional freelance writer with over 5 years of experience. What are bruises? Massage the oil into the bruised area (again, not too hard). 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. You have severe pain in the bruised part of your body. This is a type of cancer that begins in lymphocyte cells, which are immune cells designed to aid in the fight against pathogens. Hemophilia A and hemophilia B are hereditary conditions that cause blood not to clot as easy or as much as other people. The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology reported that ascorbic acid (vitamin C) helps to strengthen blood vessels and prevent them breaking. 2006 Oct; 65(10): 13411345. Also, supplements like ginkgo biloba, ginger, turmeric, St Johns Wort have blood-thinning properties and may make you bruise easily. A poor diet can affect health in a number of negative ways, and vitamin deficiencies can contribute to random bruising. 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. Take a few drops of helichrysum essential oil and mix it with a tablespoon of a carrier oil like coconut or almond oil. Unexplained bruising on the legs . Specific medications include: Blood thinners are given to people who have issues with blood clotting. It is a rare condition that mostly affects males. Some medications can lead to easy or random bruising because of how they affect the body. What Are the Risk Factors for Random Bruising? If unexplained you should be examined by a physician, as it could be nothing to worry about but it could represent a skin disorder, or clotting disorder. Type 1 diabetes: symptoms. Bruises are often harmless, but they can sometimes indicate a medical condition that requires medical treatment. Sex can also affect bruising as women tend to bruise more easily than men. Certain medications and supplements can cause the blood to thin and result in random bruising on the body. Medications like aspirin, blood thinners, antibiotics, and anticoagulants can affect the blood cells by making them easier to traumatize, leading to bruising. 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? Article Sources Thrombocytopenia in pregnancy. (n.d.). Underlying bleeding disorders such as hemophilia, thrombocytopenia, or factor V deficiency can cause bruising. It can cause excessive bleeding which leads to easy bruising. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Autoimmune disorders occur when the body produces antibodies that attack its own tissues rather than fight infections. Bruising (Hematoma), Chemocare; http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/side-effects/bruising.aspx, last accessed August 28, 2017. Vitamin deficiencies of various sorts can lead to unexplained bruises. You can read about these treatments in my article on how to get rid of bruises naturally. A few bruises rarely indicates a problem. People with immune thrombocytopenia have a low platelet count, and bruising can also appear for no reason. Spontaneous bruising is very common after 45-50 years of age and also depends upon the skin type. They create and support wound healing. Ann Rheum Dis. I have a bruise on the lower left side of my stomach near my belly button. 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 this condition have joints that move far beyond the typical range of motion and stretchy skin. If you notice that you have bruising after working out that is unexplained or the result of an injury, you should follow the RICE method to help the bruise heal quicker. Ecchymosis, which occurs when blood leaks from a broken capillary into surrounding tissue, is common and requires a preventive treatment plan. Read on to learn more about common causes, what to watch for, and when to see a doctor. Last medically reviewed on June 28, 2020, A bruise usually results from a blow to the body. This can result in random bruising or larger bruises from trauma to the skin.3. Also known as blood poisoning, sepsis requires immediate emergency treatment. Top answers from doctors based on your search: Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. 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) We avoid using tertiary references. The possible benefits of medicine always need to be weighed against the potential side effects. The area tends to be swollen and painful. 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). 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. Pediatr Emerg Care. NHLBI. Pour the contents into a sealable jar. MacDonald E, Price V, Ramsey S, McLaughlin R. A 15-year-old boy with anemia and leg bruising. Harvard Health Publishing Harvard Medical School. A ruptured spleen can be a life threatening condition and requires immediate attention. 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. Vitamin K is one of the nutrients that help blood to clot. Also, leukemia can often be accompanied by unexplained bruising and bleeding. It should get better within 2 to 3 weeks. Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere. 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. That being said, you should see your doctor if: Its difficult to avoid bruising completely, especially when the cause is unknown. Our gait becomes more unstable, and we bump into things a little more than we used to. 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. This is a type of cancer that affects your blood as well as your bone marrow. 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. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. 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. It's important toconsider whetherany medicine you're taking may be causing your symptoms for example,taking painkillers long term can lead to headaches. Your doctor may recommend controlling diabetes with diet or prescribe you medication. You may havea thorough physical examination and blood tests. Start with an ice pack wrapped in a towel (not directly on the skin). Non-Hodgkins lymphoma is a cancer that starts in lymphocyte cells, which are part of the immune system. This type of bruising is the one you are most familiar with. So, if the bruise is still there well after four weeks, its recommended that you seek medical attention. However, bruises arent typically something to worry about, and they tend to heal on their own in a few days or weeks. What's causing me to bruise so easily and what I do to prevent it? Why do I bruise do easily? Many people find that they have unexplained bruising on legs and want to know what causes bruises to appear for no apparent reason. 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. 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. Now, youve read about what causes bruises, so it may seem a little odd that a bruise should suddenly form on its own. A black eye is bruising and swelling around your eye, usually caused by a blow to the area, such as a punch or fall. A person with kidney disease bruises easily due to a loss of skin elasticity. Bleeding Diathesis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments. 7 signs and symptoms not to ignore. Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and targeted therapy, may also lead to bruising. There are two types of bruises that you should be aware ofecchymosis and hematoma. One health issue that can arise from a lack of nutrients is unexplained bruising. However, if the discoloration does not heal within a few weeks, it is worth talking to a doctor. This is due to weakening blood vessels that are more prone to breakage even with slight injury to the area. If you find yourself in pain because of the bruise, you can apply a cold compress and keep the bruise elevated above the heart. Repeat this two or three times a day until the bruise has healed. Sometimes, bruising without an injury could be a sign of a serious underlying medical condition like diabetes, a blood clotting disorder, or an autoimmune disease. American Diabetes Association. There are many natural home remedies you can use to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and help bruises heal faster. Bruising: Spontaneous signs of bruising (ecchymoses) can occur after taking aspirin or Aleve (naproxen) or with certain blood or liver disorders. Unexplained Bruising on Your Body: Causes and Treatments, Jenny Hills, Nutritionist and Medical Writer, why some people shouldnt take turmeric regularly, get relief from sunburn using natural remedies, Warning Signs That You Have Poor Blood Circulation, Seven Types of Pain You should Never Ignore, Top 10 Natural Remedies for Swollen Ankles, Legs and Feet. Keeping an eye out for other unusual symptoms may help you determine if theres an underlying cause. People who are prone to bruising may not remember a minor trauma and assume that the bruise has appeared out of nowhere. ? Next review due: 12 July 2024, Learn about breathing exercises for stress, what your symptoms are like, when they started and what makes them better or worse, what you think is the cause of your symptoms and your expectations of how tests and treatments might help, how your symptoms affect what you can do what they stop you doing, how upsetting your symptoms are how they make you feel. Platelets are cells that help the blood to clot and stop bleeding. Management typically involves psychiatric treatment. Managing stressis very important because it's been linked to problems such as pain and IBS. For the most part, a bruise will heal on its own within two to four weeks. Supplements like ginkgo biloba, ginger, turmeric, and St. Johns Wort also carry similar blood thinning issues. Bleeding disorders occur when the blood doesnt clot as it should. Many people have persistent physical complaints, such as dizziness or pain, that don't appear to be symptoms of a medical condition. If you notice abnormal bleeding under your skin after a sunburn, you should call your doctor for a checkup.9. Bleeding and bruising. Broken blood vessels on the face can happen to anyone at any age. Symptoms of an Achilles tendon rupture are hard to ignore. If you think you have an underlying condition that's been missed by your doctor, you can ask for a second opinion. However, not all bruising has a simple explanation. Bruises develop when capillaries burst after an impact, while blood clots occur when an injury damages blood vessels. Doctors will check a woman's platelet levels throughout a pregnancy term, but bruising could be a symptom of gestational thrombocytopenia, which leads to a low platelet . Although random or sudden bruising does not necessarily mean that a person has a medical condition, it may still be worth discussing with a doctor. (2017). Von Willebrand disease. For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person). Unexplained bruising can be the result of numerous causes from aging and vitamin deficiencies to diabetes. Before taking any supplements that thin the blood, you should speak to your health care provider if you are already taking medication to prevent blood clots. When certain blood vessels are damaged, blood platelets bind together to repair the issue. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Bleeding Disorders, American Society of Hematology; http://www.hematology.org/Patients/Bleeding.aspx, last accessed August 28, 2017. In rare cases, one of the following conditions may cause random bruising. Know the symptoms and what to do if you experience them. It may also result from pricking the skin to test your blood sugar or injecting insulin. This can cause your platelet count to drop, which will impact your bloods ability to clot and lead to easy bruising and bleeding. Add the beeswax to the mixture and stir over low heat until the beeswax melts. Random bruising on your legs (as well as on other body parts) can cause unsightly skin discoloration as a result of a mild trauma or injury. Here are some key factors in random bruising: Unexplained bruising is very common and heals relatively quickly. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? Read More Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Read on to learn more about unexplained bruising, what causes it, and when to seek medical attention. It is rare in adults, generally occurring in the neonatal period. When you strain a muscle, you injure muscle tissue deep under the skin. How long does it take for a bruise to heal? What Are These Tiny Red Spots on My Skin (Petechiae)? Bruising in your stomach or abdominal area is typically caused by: direct blows to your abdomen a fall in which you injure or land on your stomach accidents, such as a car accident The trauma. The most common symptom of non-Hodgkin lymphoma is painless swelling in the lymph nodes, which are located in the neck, groin, and armpit. Learn about how to get. What You Need to Know About Living With Low Platelets. Other symptoms may include weight loss . Viral infections can also cause random bruising on legs that is unexplained. Cancer. suggest a visit to your, Yes since you inject in this site very common to injure the. Is my bruising normal? All rights reserved. Unexplained bruising causes in older adults is really the culmination of numerous factors that tend to occur once you get older and begin to reach elderly status. Usually, these diseases are accompanied by other symptoms and random bruising occurs in the later stages of the disease. Signs and symptoms of non-hodgkin lymphoma. 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. This may result in blood leaking from vessels and accumulating under the skin. 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. For example, vitamin C is used by the body to strengthen blood vessels. In some cases, random bruising may be associated with one of the following less common causes. Common medically unexplained symptoms include: pains in the muscles or joints back pain headaches tiredness feeling faint chest pain heart palpitations stomach problems About 1 in 4 people who see a GP have physical symptoms that cannot be explained. Although diabetes itself doesnt cause bruising, it can slow your healing time and allow bruises to linger longer than normal. Random or unexplained bruising on legs can happen for a number of reasons. If you're in pain, a pharmacist can recommend: stronger painkillers American Society of Hematology. WebMD. A pharmacist can help with erythema nodosum. Older people tend to bruise easily because of changes to their skin as they age. 2017;22(7):365-366. doi:10.1093/pch/pxx139, Wolpert K, Szadkowski M, Miescier M, Hewes HA. Am Fam Physician. Vitamin C deficiency. Our blood naturally clots to prevent excessive bleeding related to an injury.