(2017). 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. When a person bruises easily, this can lead to random and unexplained bruises from everyday activities that would typically not cause bruising. (n.d.). The National Hemophilia Foundation. Am Fam Physician. When this happens, blood leaks out of the vessels and initially appears as a dark mark. Thrombocytopenia in pregnancy. NHLBI. If it persists, see your doctor! It may also result from pricking the skin to test your blood sugar or injecting insulin. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. For example, being in the sun too long, aging, or a vitamin deficiency can weaken small blood vessels near the skin's surface. If youre undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatments, you may have low blood platelet counts (thrombocytopenia). What are bruises? 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. Is my bruising normal? But, the simpler explanations may surprise you. Underlying bleeding disorders such as hemophilia, thrombocytopenia, or factor V deficiency can cause bruising. Mix a few drops of chamomile essential oil with a carrier oil like almond or coconut oil. Why do I bruise more easily as I age? Sjukratilfelli og sjukdomseinkenni [Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type IV. Are you taking too much anti-inflammatory medication? WebMD. Unexplained bruising can be the result of numerous causes from aging and vitamin deficiencies to diabetes. This occurs in 4.4% to 11.6% of pregnancies. If you're in pain, a pharmacist can recommend: stronger painkillers Vitamins perform many important functions in your blood. Signs and Symptoms of Abnormal Bruising in Children, The 9 Best Vitamins and Supplements for Skin Health. 5. 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. Icelandic. This accounts for around 75% of all cases of thrombocytopenia in pregnancy. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. There is a connection between diabetes and unexplained bruising. 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. People who are prone to bruising may not remember a minor trauma and assume that the bruise has appeared out of nowhere. What You Need to Know About Living With Low Platelets. Bleeding and bruising in cancer patients. A lack of vitamin C allows weakens the blood vessels and causes the body to bruise easier. 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. Top answers from doctors based on your search: Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. It should get better within 2 to 3 weeks. 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. Medications such as anticoagulants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroids reduce the bloods ability to clot. Last medically reviewed on June 28, 2020, A bruise usually results from a blow to the body. Some people may be more susceptible to random bruising than others, and depending on the circumstance, you may want to see a healthcare professional. It's important toconsider whetherany medicine you're taking may be causing your symptoms for example,taking painkillers long term can lead to headaches. This can damage blood vessels and causes blood to pool below the surface of the skin, leaving behind black, blue, purple, brown, green, or yellow marks. Once the mixture is cool, tighten the lid and place into the fridge until needed. You have systemic symptoms such as fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes or unintentional weight loss along with unexplained bruising. A ruptured spleen can be a life threatening condition and requires immediate attention. 2008 Nov; 88(11): 12541264. Chemotherapy, for example, can cause changes to the blood platelets, making them easier to strain and break, causing bruising. NHS. AAFP. Cines, D. B., & Levine, L. D. (2017). Phys Ther. Certain medications make you more susceptible to bruising. On top of genetics, aging can be a factor of unexplained bruising. However, if a bruise persists, changes in size, or looks unusual, there may be an underlying condition or other factors. A bruise is also known as a contusion. Fraser IM, et al. Someone who takes medication and has random bruising should speak to a doctor for advice and to discuss their drug and family medical history. Bruising for no reason can be explained and treated. 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). Easy bruising after minimal or no trauma is thought to occur due to platelet dysfunction and capillary fragility. Many people find that they have unexplained bruising on legs and want to know what causes bruises to appear for no apparent reason. Clotting screen (prothrombin time [PT], activated partial thromboplastin time [aPTT], and international normalized ratio [INR] if the person is taking . Learn how we can help 1.8k views Answered >2 years ago Thank 3 thanks A 18-year-old female asked: You have severe pain in the bruised part of your body. Here are some key factors in random bruising: Unexplained bruising is very common and heals relatively quickly. For example, a person may have fairer skin and more fragile blood vessels, two factors that can make bruises develop more easily and appear darker in color. Other symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer are painful breasts that suddenly swell, itching, and nipple changes or discharge.21, Another type of cancer that can cause easy bruising is leukemia. 2006 Oct; 65(10): 13411345. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Vitamin K cream or ointment may also be able to help in healing a bruise quicker. Bruising often occurs when blood vessels beneath the skin incur. Unexplained bruising on the legs . Sex can also affect bruising as women tend to bruise more easily than men. This essential oil mixture works rather well if it is applied right after a round of ice or cold therapy. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. (2016). There are a few autoimmune diseases that can, in some way, make it easier for the body to bruise. doi:10.17992/lbl.2012.06.440. Bruises, Cleveland Clinic; https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/bruises, last accessed August 28, 2017. Stratakis CA. Signs and symptoms of vasculitis. Because of this, easy bruising is often a symptom of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Vitamin C deficiency. Sun-damaged skin. (2017). This article will expand on factors in and causes of random bruising and accompanying symptoms. 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. This is due to weakening blood vessels that are more prone to breakage even with slight injury to the area. Medications can also hinder the blood clotting process and inhibit platelet function. This can result in bruising easily on your legs or other areas of your body. Blood platelets are specific cells that exist within the blood. What causes unexplained bruising? (n.d.). Vitamin K is one of the nutrients that help blood to clot. Women tend to bruise more easily than men. Signs and symptoms of acute lymphocytic leukemia. This is because they lower the amount of platelets in the blood. 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. The result of extreme vitamin C deficiency is scurvy, which also leads to bleeding gums, fingernail and tooth loss, and heart failure. Swelling or a raised bump on your skin (hematoma). Intensive exercising can cause unexplained bruises in the parts of your body under stress. 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. Supplements like ginkgo biloba, ginger, turmeric, and St. Johns Wort also carry similar blood thinning issues. Bleeding and bruising. Late-stage kidney disease often has unexplained or easy bruising as a side effect, but not necessarily due to the disease itself. Medications that are used for rheumatoid arthritis can often lead to unexplained bruises. Anticoagulants (blood thinners) and over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications like aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil), and naproxen (Aleve) affect your bloods ability to clot. Signs and symptoms of non-hodgkin lymphoma. This may make your skin more susceptible to bruising. Using intervals of ice and heat can help ease the pain of a bruise and get the healing process started. Acanthosis nigricans is a condition that can develop in people living with diabetes (most often connected with type 2 diabetes) where there is too much insulin in the blood stream. Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in less than one minute for common issues such as: colds and coughs, stomach symptoms, bladder infections, rashes, and more. Thrombocytopenia. Spontaneous bruising is very common after 45-50 years of age and also depends upon the skin type. Although the specific protein involved in this disorder is different than the one associated with hemophilia A, the conditions share the same symptoms. Although your stomach and back can be. Oftentimes, you can reduce your risk for future bruising by making sure youre getting the right nutrients in your diet. Vitamin deficiencies of various sorts can lead to unexplained bruises. Doctors from the Mayo Clinic explain that aging causes the protective fatty layer in the skin to become thinner. Page last reviewed: 12 July 2021 All rights reserved. If diabetes has already been diagnosed, your bruising may simply be a result of slow wound healing. American Diabetes Association. You just have to figure it out- blood thinners, trauma some more severe problems with coagulation. Case study and clinical findings]. Maybe more thatn the flu. What Do Your PT/INR and PTT Results Mean? Unexplained leg bruising can be due to liver disease, nutritional deficiencies, autoimmune conditions, and other disorders. The American Cancer Society says that leukemia can cause a number of symptoms including weight loss, constant tiredness, recurrent infections, and unexplained bleeding.22. By Angelica Bottaro Along with frequent unexplained bruising on your legs, diabetes causes increased thirst and urination, weight loss, nausea, and abdominal pain. There is also the issue of acanthosis nigricans. Vitamin deficiencies of various sorts can lead to unexplained bruises. The GP should also investigate whether you might have an associated problem, such asdepression or anxiety. Ecchymosis, which occurs when blood leaks from a broken capillary into surrounding tissue, is common and requires a preventive treatment plan. I have a bruise on the bottom left side of my stomach. 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. And yes, getting older also means that we will be a little more prone to injury. It is known for being able to keep blood inside a blood vessel, even after an injury has occurred. I have a bruise on my stomach where my appendix should be.. should i be worried? Experiencing random bruising can be alarming, but it doesnt always warrant a visit to your doctor. Unexplained Bruising Causes in Older Adults, Bruises Are Rarely Something to Worry About, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/bruises, http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/side-effects/bruising.aspx, http://www.medicaldaily.com/unexplained-bruising-contusions-377238, http://www.healthyandnaturalworld.com/get-rid-of-bruises/, http://www.emedicinehealth.com/bruises/article_em.htm, http://www.hematology.org/Patients/Bleeding.aspx, https://www.symptomfind.com/health/changing-colors-bruises-and-what-they-mean/, 1 ounce dried of comfrey leaves (or 2 ounces of fresh leaves) finely chopped. Skin manifestations of Cushing's syndrome. A bone bruise is a type of bruise that occurs when blood and fluid build up inside and around an injured bone. Bruises that are caused by underlying health conditions are addressed by treating the specific condition or disease. These bruises end up being a flat, purple-colored bruise. eMedicineHealth. An approach to investigation of easy bruising. Your doctor may recommend controlling diabetes with diet or prescribe you medication. Take the mixture and pour it into a muslin bag and squeeze it into a pan. Add the olive oil to a pan and drop in the comfrey leaves. 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. Rev Endocr Metab Disord. Drug-induced liver disease. Whenever this blood gets trapped under the surface of the skin, it will form a bruise. 7 signs and symptoms not to ignore. 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. Signs and symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This includes the joints, skin, and blood vessel walls. 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. Bruising usually occurs as a result of accidental trauma, but may be non-accidental. Bruise symptoms and signs. For example, vitamin C is used by the body to strengthen blood vessels. Mayo Clinic Staff. A GP will aim to rule out all the possible conditions that might be causing your symptoms. Bruising can happen more easily if a person uses certain medications or has a health condition or. What is a bleeding disorder? (2018). much larger than a dime. Usually, these diseases are accompanied by other symptoms and random bruising occurs in the later stages of the disease. 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. A pharmacist can help with erythema nodosum. 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. (n.d.). MedlinePlus. Now, youve read about what causes bruises, so it may seem a little odd that a bruise should suddenly form on its own. 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. Management typically involves psychiatric treatment. The red coloring is due to the fresh blood near the surface of the skin. 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. If you arent getting enough vitamin C, your skin may begin to bruise easily, resulting in random bruising. Mayo Clinic Staff. Most cases of random bruising are nothing to worry about. For example, a lack of vitamin C can lead to scurvy which causes unexplained bruising and bleeding. Taking certain medications and growing older are often at the root of the problem. Dr. Cunha says that it will take between one to two weeks for bruises to completely heal.2. i do an injection in that place. Mayo Clinic Staff. 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. Cushing syndrome. 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. People who have cancers in parts of the body responsible for blood production, like the liver, may also experience unusual clotting. Bruises and blood spots under the skin. Always mention any unusual bruising during pregnancy to a doctor or midwife. Mayo Clinic Staff. Regular exercisewill help keep you fit andmany people find that it also boosts their mood(read about exercise for depression). 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. The purple and black phase usually occurs within two or three days. Bruises are common and usually disappear with time. Canadian Cancer Society. MacDonald E, Price V, Ramsey S, McLaughlin R. A 15-year-old boy with anemia and leg bruising. Unfortunately, as we get older, getting unexplained bruises becomes more of a fact of life due to skin changes and medications. Most bruising occurs as a result of some kind of injury. For example, a person should see a doctor if: Occasional bruising is rarely a cause for concern. Cushing syndrome develops when you have too much cortisol in your blood. This can also help you to determine if you should see a doctor about unexplained bruises that have appeared on your body. These compounds are known as biliverdin and bilirubin and are actually pigments that occur naturally when they break down blood. That being said, you should see your doctor if: Its difficult to avoid bruising completely, especially when the cause is unknown. Bruising is the most common injury sustained by children who have been subject to physical abuse. If you are taking blood-thinning medications, you may find that even a slight knock on your leg or arm can easily cause bruising. what is this and the cause ? These unexplained bruises can be the result of many factors ranging from the simple effects of aging to the warning signs of disease. Non-Hodgkins lymphoma is a cancer that starts in lymphocyte cells, which are part of the immune system. Eventually the body reabsorbs the blood, and the mark disappears. The good news is that yellow is usually the final color in the healing process and usually occurs within seven to 10 days. Physical symptoms can cause depression and anxiety, and these can in turn make the physical symptoms worse, creatinga vicious circle. (n.d.). If NHL spreads to the bone marrow, it can reduce the number of blood cells in your body. (2017). Dyer JM, Miller RA. But other symptoms, such as joint pain, may last several weeks or months. Medications like aspirin, blood thinners, antibiotics, and anticoagulants can affect the blood cells by making them easier to traumatize, leading to bruising. You may havea thorough physical examination and blood tests. 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. Some deficiencies include vitamin C deficiency and vitamin K deficiency. We avoid using tertiary references. This means that a minor bump or injury can cause large or lumpy bruises.