Benabio J. However, not all bruising has a simple explanation. It is impossible to completely prevent bruising. Common medically unexplained symptoms include: About 1 in 4 people who see a GP have physical symptoms that cannot be explained. 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. The bruise is caused when blood cells are damaged, and blood leaks into the top layers of the skin. You can read about these treatments in my article on how to get rid of bruises naturally. You have systemic symptoms such as fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes or unintentional weight loss along with unexplained bruising. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a group of inherited conditions that affect the connective tissues. 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 Read More Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Management typically involves psychiatric treatment. Bleeding disorders may cause large bruises to develop without any explanation. Vitamin K deficiency. DOI:10.1055/s-2002-23205, last accessed August 2017. Health A-Z NHS services Live Well Mental health Care and support Pregnancy . The good news is that yellow is usually the final color in the healing process and usually occurs within seven to 10 days. Some people may be more susceptible to random bruising than others, and depending on the circumstance, you may want to see a healthcare professional. Chronic skin fragility of aging: current concepts in the pathogenesis, recognition, and management of dermatoporosis. 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. Manypeople with medically unexplained symptoms, such as tiredness, pain andheart palpitations,also have depression or anxiety. Canadian Cancer Society. This means that a minor bump or injury can cause large or lumpy bruises. A poor diet can affect health in a number of negative ways, and vitamin deficiencies can contribute to random bruising. It is a rare condition that mostly affects males. Healthy and Natural World is supported by its audience. (n.d.). Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia). This may help speed the healing process because it lowers inflammation and prevents more blood from pooling in the area. Bleeding disorders. Apply a warm, wet tea bag to the bruise two or three times a day for best results. 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. Signs and Symptoms of Abnormal Bruising in Children, The 9 Best Vitamins and Supplements for Skin Health. For many people, reaching an older age also brings with it medications and medical conditions that make it easier for your body to bruise. Last medically reviewed on June 28, 2020, A bruise usually results from a blow to the body. 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. A lack of vitamin C allows weakens the blood vessels and causes the body to bruise easier. There are a few natural and quick ways to help the bruise disappear a bit faster than normal. For potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service. They can vary in color, and skin color may affect the appearance of a bruise. I have a bruise on the bottom left side of my stomach. 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. For example, a person should see a doctor if: Occasional bruising is rarely a cause for concern. It means not enough normal blood cells are produced, which can cause anaemia, infections and bruising or bleeding. Phys Ther. American Society of Hematology. Also, supplements like ginkgo biloba, ginger, turmeric, St Johns Wort have blood-thinning properties and may make you bruise easily. Bruises are often harmless, but they can sometimes indicate a medical condition that requires medical treatment. Page last reviewed: 12 July 2021 You just have to figure it out- blood thinners, trauma some more severe problems with coagulation. There is a connection between diabetes and unexplained bruising. Random bruising caused by diabetes occurs when the condition affects the blood vessels and causes peripheral vascular disease. Underlying bleeding disorders such as hemophilia, thrombocytopenia, or factor V deficiency can cause bruising. This bleeding disorder is caused by a low platelet count. Other common causes of blood spots include low blood platelets, blood clotting disorders, inflammation in the blood vessels, and vitamin C deficiency. It is the result of blood from damaged blood cells that are deep beneath the skin and collect near the skins surface. Signs and symptoms of non-hodgkin lymphoma. This is a type of cancer that begins in lymphocyte cells, which are immune cells designed to aid in the fight against pathogens. Noble, J. M., & Patterson, M. C. (2020). So, this makes it easier for the body to bruise. You may havea thorough physical examination and blood tests. Bruising (Hematoma), Chemocare; http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/side-effects/bruising.aspx, last accessed August 28, 2017. This is due to weakening blood vessels that are more prone to breakage even with slight injury to the area. Thrombocytopenia. According to Dr. Neha Pathak on WebMD, some common viral infections that can cause unexplained bruising are chickenpox, mumps, and rubella. 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. What is the latest research on the form of cancer Jimmy Carter has? Easy bruising and bleeding are common leukemia symptoms. Vitamin K supplements are often given to prevent unexplained bruising in people who take blood thinning medication.6. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. 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. Bruising usually occurs as a result of accidental trauma, but may be non-accidental. Its very rare to have spontaneous bruising without any reason. Why do I bruise more easily as I age? any help? This can help reduce the swelling as well as the coloring of the bruise. People who have hemophilia A are missing an important clotting factor, factor VIII, resulting in excessive bleeding and bruising. Researchers are expressing concerns over the number of bicycle accidents involving drugs. 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. You may be referred for a talking therapy, such ascognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Factor V deficiency is a rare bleeding disorder wherein people lack the protein coagulation factor V. This prevents the blood from clotting. Search the NHS website. 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.. It should get better within 2 to 3 weeks. 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. 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. These types of exercises can, at times, cause tears in the blood cells under the skin and lead to bruising. If NHL spreads to the bone marrow, it can reduce the number of blood cells in your body. 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. This can also help you to determine if you should see a doctor about unexplained bruises that have appeared on your body. Once the mixture is cool, tighten the lid and place into the fridge until needed. A few bruises rarely indicates a problem. Cancer can cause unexplained bruising in two different ways. Hemophilia A and hemophilia B are hereditary conditions that cause blood not to clot as easy or as much as other people. Disclaimer: Results are not guaranteed*** and may vary from person to person***. This makes helichrysum essential oil great for dealing with bruises. (2009). Therefore, treatment options will vary widely if you are experiencing bruising because of a health condition. Thereare things you can do to improve or even relieve some physical symptoms,such as taking regular exercise and managing stress. If you are able to, you can also keep the bruise elevated above the heart to prevent further blood pooling. As a result, hemophilia sufferers bleed longer and bruise easier. Cancer. It is known for being able to keep blood inside a blood vessel, even after an injury has occurred. Most cases of random bruising are nothing to worry about. From unexplained weight loss to sudden flashes of light, take note of important symptoms, and know when to seek medical care. Our gait becomes more unstable, and we bump into things a little more than we used to. That is one reason why some people shouldnt take turmeric regularly for medicinal purposes. American Cancer Society. WebMD. Oftentimes, you can reduce your risk for future bruising by making sure youre getting the right nutrients in your diet. Rev Endocr Metab Disord. The first is that the disease itself may cause the bruise. First of all, lets look at what bruises are and what is the main cause of random bruising. 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. When certain blood vessels are damaged, blood platelets bind together to repair the issue. Native to Europe and Asia, comfrey is a type of shrub that contains allantoin, a chemical that helps skin cells grow and can help speed up the healing process. They are sometimes known as"medically unexplained symptoms" when they last for more than a few weeks, but doctors can't finda problem with the bodythat may be the cause. White, G. (2008). People who have cancers in parts of the body responsible for blood production, like the liver, may also experience unusual clotting. 2019;35(4):e70-e71. Read on to learn more about unexplained bruising, what causes it, and when to seek medical attention. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? This is called dermatoporosis. Its good to remember that in most cases the cause of unexplained bruising is nothing to worry about. 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. There are various risk factors associated with random and easy bruising, such as genetics, age, and sex. Massage the mixture carefully into the bruised area (not too hard or you will cause further damage in the bruise). As a result, there is less body material to cushion a blow, so the body gets bruised easily. 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. Bad bruises, also known as hematomas, can occur following a more serious injury. The possible benefits of medicine always need to be weighed against the potential side effects. 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 following are some possible causes of random bruising. A blunt trauma injury can cause your spleen to rupture. These conditions require proper diagnosis and treatment. While not everyone will experience bruising after a bug bite, it is entirely possible that you develop a small contusion if you get bitten by an insect. A black eye is bruising and swelling around your eye, usually caused by a blow to the area, such as a punch or fall. Now, youve read about what causes bruises, so it may seem a little odd that a bruise should suddenly form on its own. Bernard-Soulier syndrome is a rare, inherited blood clotting disorder. If you arent getting enough vitamin C, your skin may begin to bruise easily, resulting in random bruising. 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. When this happens, blood leaks out of the vessels and initially appears as a dark mark. 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. Know the symptoms and what to do if you experience them. One health issue that can arise from a lack of nutrients is unexplained bruising. 7 signs and symptoms not to ignore. People that are active should take special precautions while participating in physical activities to prevent injuries that could lead to bruises. By Angelica Bottaro What are bruises? DOI: 10.1136/bcr.08.2008.0750. Dr. Cunha says that it will take between one to two weeks for bruises to completely heal.2. 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 . If you notice abnormal bleeding under your skin after a sunburn, you should call your doctor for a checkup.9. For the most part, bruises will eventually heal on their own. A ruptured spleen can be a life threatening condition and requires immediate attention. 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. Thats because your body needs iron to keep your blood cells healthy. Most bruising occurs as a result of some kind of injury. Learn how we can help 1.8k views Answered >2 years ago Thank 3 thanks A 18-year-old female asked: 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. 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. People who have hemophilia B are missing a clotting factor called factor IX. The syndrome causes easy bruising because it can lead to thinning skin. The fatty layer of our skin begins to thin as we get older. Autoimmune disorders occur when the body produces antibodies that attack its own tissues rather than fight infections. Sporadic bruising usually isnt cause for worry. Sun-damaged skin. 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. What causes unexplained bruising? Physical symptoms can cause depression and anxiety, and these can in turn make the physical symptoms worse, creatinga vicious circle. Harvard Health Publishing Harvard Medical School. Random bruising could be a sign of a health issue that should be checked out. Bruising is common. However, medicine isn't always the answer painkillers or sedatives, for example,may lead to dependence. 2-3 weeks apart. Bruising can happen more easily if a person uses certain medications or has a health condition or. Extensive bruising secondary to vitamin C deficiency. In many cases, random bruising doesnt require any treatment at all and will heal on its own. 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. If you think you have an underlying condition that's been missed by your doctor, you can ask for a second opinion. However, it should not appear in isolation and may appear alongside fatigue, appetite loss, abdominal pain, and nausea. Also, UV rays can contribute to the dermatoporosis effect in the skin. Certain health conditions, medications, and even inherited disorders can cause random bruising. Easy bruising. what is this and the cause ? could that be the cause of it. What's causing me to bruise so easily and what I do to prevent it? Hemophilia A is a genetic condition that affects the bloods ability to clot. If you suffer from diabetes, you may notice that you bruise easily and bruises last longer. Vitamin K is needed to help blood clot properly and prevent random bruising. You might have many of these remediessuch as tea bags and aloe vera right at your fingertips. When you strain a muscle, you injure muscle tissue deep under the skin. Bleeding disorders occur when the blood doesnt clot as it should. This can cause the bruise to take on a green color or tinge. 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. Red spots, also called blood spots, can look similar to bruises, although they dont develop because of an injury. There may be a blood clotting issue or another underlying condition that needs treatment. 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. Chronic kidney disease. Aging also leads to easier bruising. It can cause excessive bleeding which leads to easy bruising. Top answers from doctors based on your search: Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. These unexplained bruises can be the result of many factors ranging from the simple effects of aging to the warning signs of disease. Mayo Clinic Staff. The area tends to be swollen and painful. Hemophilia is a genetic condition wherein people lack either clotting factor VIII or IX, resulting in excessive bruising. 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. Another indication of possible leukemia is lots of bruises with no indication as to a cause. its painless and i have no idea what's the cause. 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. 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. But, the simpler explanations may surprise you. Cancer. These spots, called purpura, are common in older adults but may be a sign of inflamed blood vessels in younger people. Other common symptoms of a bleeding disorder include: Sepsis is an infection that causes a buildup of toxins in the blood or tissues. 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. Vitamin K. Peripheral vascular disease. Take the mixture and pour it into a muslin bag and squeeze it into a pan. A 15-year-old boy with anemia and leg bruising. Learn how we can help. Find out more about Henoch-Schnlein purpura. Unexplained bruising on the legs . The National Hemophilia Foundation. May occur following a lack of fresh fruit and vegetables over prolonged periods of time. I would recommend being seen. Thrombophilia means that your blood has an increased tendency to clot. This is because women have more fragile blood vessels and may bruise more easily on their legs, upper arms, or buttocks. Women tend to bruise more easily than men. We avoid using tertiary references. How much exercise you should do will depend on your current health and capabilities. 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. People with immune thrombocytopenia have a low platelet count, and bruising can also appear for no reason. Its just a part of being a human being. All rights reserved. Here are 10 easy treatments to lessen the pain and reduce the visibility. Certain severe medical conditions can cause unexplained bruising, bleeding, and blood clots. Eden, R. E., & Coviello, J. M. (2020). Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Chest pain, sudden loss of vision or speech, and severe stomach pain need immediate medical attention. Anticoagulants used for dialysis, as well as the anemia caused by kidney disease, can cause low platelet production. Mayo Clinic Staff. Bruises, eMedicine Health; http://www.emedicinehealth.com/bruises/article_em.htm, last accessed August 28, 2017. Kawasaki disease 2012;98(6):355-359. Icelandic. 5. 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. (2017). Many viral infections can cause thrombocytopenia. Why do women bruise more easily than men? 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. WebMD. Tannins can help contract the blood vessels which in turn can help heal a bruise quicker. Serious liver disease can cause easy bruising because the liver cant produce enough blood clotting factors. It also explains bruising in pregnancy and when to see a doctor. 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. You have severe pain in the bruised part of your body. Certain medications make you more susceptible to bruising. Sex can also affect bruising as women tend to bruise more easily than men. Once that fatty layer has thinned, the sun can directly damage blood cells, causing bruising on the skin. Learn more about bruises on dark skin here. Bruises that are caused by underlying health conditions are addressed by treating the specific condition or disease. Required for collagen production, boosting the immune system, and maintaining antioxidant activity, vitamin C is versatile and vital to health. Intense exercise can leave you with more than just sore muscles. They can make a diagnosis, if needed, and advise you on next steps. Ann Rheum Dis. Regular exercisewill help keep you fit andmany people find that it also boosts their mood(read about exercise for depression). This inflammations natural side effect is unexplained bruises. 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. Vasculitis is an autoimmune disease that causes the inflammation of the blood vessels themselves. (2009). Case study and clinical findings]. eMedicineHealth. 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. 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. Bruising for no reason can be explained and treated. What Is the Treatment for Random Bruising? It may also result from pricking the skin to test your blood sugar or injecting insulin. Bruising: Summary. Heart failure: Could a low sodium diet sometimes do more harm than good? Always mention any unusual bruising during pregnancy to a doctor or midwife. Maybe more thatn the flu. People with low counts of blood platelets often bruise easily because there are fewer platelets in the blood to repair damaged blood vessels. 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. Unexplained bruising Swelling in the abdomen Spider-like red spots on your skin Enlarged breasts Fatigue Confusion Yellowing of skin and eyes Vomiting blood Dark stools Your liver has many functions, including helping in digestion, removing waste from the body, and producing certain proteins. In many cases, unexplained or random bruises arent a cause for concern and will likely disappear on their own in a couple of weeks. Signs and symptoms of vasculitis. Although being in the sun is necessary to help the body produce vitamin D, too much sun exposure can damage your skin and cause you to bruise easily. The bumps usually heal on their own within 3 to 8 weeks without leaving a scar. However, bruises arent typically something to worry about, and they tend to heal on their own in a few days or weeks. All rights reserved. Medicine such asantidepressantscan be helpful, even if you're not depressed. Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and targeted therapy, may also lead to bruising.