American Society of Hematology. Anticoagulants used for dialysis, as well as the anemia caused by kidney disease, can cause low platelet production. All rights reserved. There are several different bleeding disorders that can cause a person to bruise randomly, including: Nutrients are important for all bodily functions, and not getting enough vitamins and minerals can cause various health issues. 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. People with ITP may develop bruises for no apparent reason. what is this and the cause ? If you are taking blood-thinning medications, you may find that even a slight knock on your leg or arm can easily cause bruising. (2018). Many people find that they have unexplained bruising on legs and want to know what causes bruises to appear for no apparent reason. Vitamin K deficiency. The bruise is caused when blood cells are damaged, and blood leaks into the top layers of the skin. 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. Bruises and blood spots under your skin. Learn more about bruises on dark skin here. The syndrome causes easy bruising because it can lead to thinning skin. 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. The condition can lead to bruising that lasts longer than normal because of the way it affects wound healing. But, there are a couple of essential oils that work particularly well with bruises. 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. Bruises, eMedicine Health; http://www.emedicinehealth.com/bruises/article_em.htm, last accessed August 28, 2017. It can cause excessive bleeding which leads to easy bruising. Someone with von Willebrand disease might notice large or lumpy bruises from minor, even unnoticeable, injuries. This can cause blood vessels to burst and leak blood into the surrounding area. Management typically involves psychiatric treatment. This includes the joints, skin, and blood vessel walls. It is known for being able to keep blood inside a blood vessel, even after an injury has occurred. eMedicineHealth. Here are some key factors in random bruising: Unexplained bruising is very common and heals relatively quickly. How long does it take for a bruise to heal? Diabetes can cause peripheral vascular disease. If youve recently overdone it at the gym, you may develop bruises around the affected muscles. eMedicineHealth. Our blood naturally clots to prevent excessive bleeding related to an injury. DOI: 10.1136/bcr.08.2008.0750. When blood doesnt clot quickly, more of it pools beneath the skin and forms a bruise. However, it should not appear in isolation and may appear alongside fatigue, appetite loss, abdominal pain, and nausea. Other symptoms may include weight loss . These types of exercises can, at times, cause tears in the blood cells under the skin and lead to bruising. While kidney disease can cause changes in the blood cells that can cause easy bruising, many of the other medical issues, medications, and treatments that you have to take for the disease can also cause issues with the blood and bruising. It also explains bruising in pregnancy and when to see a doctor. How much exercise you should do will depend on your current health and capabilities. Harvard Health Publishing Harvard Medical School. 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. Cancer can cause unexplained bruising in two different ways. This can be done by wearing protective gear while you play sports or engage in other physical activities that could lead to bruising. Am Fam Physician. When you strain a muscle, you injure muscle tissue deep under the skin. If you find yourself in pain because of the bruise, you can apply a cold compress and keep the bruise elevated above the heart. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Dr. John Cunha on eMedicineHealth explains that discoloration on the skin is caused by tiny blood vessels breaking under the skin. MacDonald E, Price V, Ramsey S, McLaughlin R. A 15-year-old boy with anemia and leg bruising. However, if the discoloration does not heal within a few weeks, it is worth talking to a doctor. Knowing the reason for the appearance of mysterious bruises can help to prevent them in the future. Thereare things you can do to improve or even relieve some physical symptoms,such as taking regular exercise and managing stress. Thats because your body needs iron to keep your blood cells healthy. Intense physical activities like running or lifting weights can also lead to unexplained bruises. What Do Your PT/INR and PTT Results Mean? Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. Its just a part of being a human being. Other common symptoms of a bleeding disorder include: Sepsis is an infection that causes a buildup of toxins in the blood or tissues. The hyper pigmentation is usually dark in color and can look like bruising even though it is not. White, G. (2008). 1999 Aug;41(2 Pt 1):207-8. But what does unexplained bruising mean? Keeping an eye out for other unusual symptoms may help you determine if theres an underlying cause. 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. Along with the discoloration associated with a bruise, hematomas can also cause the area to feel hard or firm to the touch. 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. 2-3 weeks apart. Search. So, this makes it easier for the body to bruise. Managing stressis very important because it's been linked to problems such as pain and IBS. Vitamin K cream or ointment may also be able to help in healing a bruise quicker. Late-stage kidney disease often has unexplained or easy bruising as a side effect, but not necessarily due to the disease itself. Symptoms of an Achilles tendon rupture are hard to ignore. People who have cancer and are struggling to eat may also experience vitamin deficiencies that impact the bloods ability to clot. Widespread bruising or petechial rash would be concernin Dr. John Munshower and another doctor agree. The ultra violet rays of the sun can lead to bruises under the skin. Sunburn can take a long time to heal and its effects can be long-lasting. Doctors will check a womans platelet levels throughout a pregnancy term, but bruising could be a symptom of gestational thrombocytopenia, which leads to a low platelet count. WebMD. Medicine such asantidepressantscan be helpful, even if you're not depressed. 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. 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. Sporadic bruising usually isnt cause for worry. In many cases, unexplained or random bruises arent a cause for concern and will likely disappear on their own in a couple of weeks. For example, cirrhosis is the result of continuous long-term damage, and bruising easily is a symptom. In rare cases, one of the following conditions may cause random bruising. 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. It is a traumatic injury slightly less severe than a bone fracture. (n.d.). Sun-damaged skin. Bleeding Diathesis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments. I have already mentioned these natural treatments for bruises that are backed by scientific evidence. Specific medications include: Blood thinners are given to people who have issues with blood clotting. (2018). If you have diabetes, its important to manage it properly. A bruise is also known as a contusion. doi:10.17992/lbl.2012.06.440. This can help reduce the swelling as well as the coloring of the bruise. A ruptured spleen can be a life threatening condition and requires immediate attention. They can make a diagnosis, if needed, and advise you on next steps. Disclaimer: Results are not guaranteed*** and may vary from person to person***. Easy bruising and bleeding are common leukemia symptoms. After a few hours, the blood loses oxygen, and the bruise turns bluish in color. For potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service. Hemophilia is a genetic condition wherein people lack either clotting factor VIII or IX, resulting in excessive bruising. Its good to remember that in most cases the cause of unexplained bruising is nothing to worry about. Bruises that are caused by underlying health conditions are addressed by treating the specific condition or disease. An approach to investigation of easy bruising. In many cases, random bruising doesnt require any treatment at all and will heal on its own. Regular exercisewill help keep you fit andmany people find that it also boosts their mood(read about exercise for depression). The fatty layer of our skin begins to thin as we get older. Read More Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. This doesn't mean the symptoms are faked or"all in the head" they're real and can affect your ability to function properly. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. You have severe pain in the bruised part of your body. 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. Red spots, also called blood spots, can look similar to bruises, although they dont develop because of an injury. Medications such as anticoagulants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroids reduce the bloods ability to clot. 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. Eden, R. E., & Coviello, J. M. (2020). Leukaemia and myeloma happen when there are too many abnormal cells in the blood and bone marrow (where blood cells are made). This means that a minor bump or injury can cause large or lumpy bruises. Manypeople with medically unexplained symptoms, such as tiredness, pain andheart palpitations,also have depression or anxiety. Vitamins perform many important functions in your blood. WebMD. When your blood takes longer to clot, more of it leaks from your blood vessels and accumulates under your skin. However, taking anticoagulants and antibiotics that interfere with vitamin K production may cause deficiencies. Are you taking too much anti-inflammatory medication? Cardiovascular health: Insomnia linked to greater risk of heart attack. 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. (2016). What causes unexplained bruising? Mix a few drops of chamomile essential oil with a carrier oil like almond or coconut oil. Vora, A., & Makris, M. (2001). 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. She has been educated in both psychology and journalism, and her dual education has given her the research and writing skills needed to deliver sound and engaging content in the health space. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. This inflammations natural side effect is unexplained bruises. Mayo Clinic Staff. People who have this condition have joints that move far beyond the typical range of motion and stretchy skin. Why is my stomach bruising for no reason? Vitamin deficiencies of various sorts can lead to unexplained bruises. This is a type of cancer that begins in lymphocyte cells, which are immune cells designed to aid in the fight against pathogens. The first is that the disease itself may cause the bruise. The National Hemophilia Foundation. Meanwhile, vitamin K deficiency can contribute to significant bleeding, poor bone development, and cardiovascular disease. Bruises on the torso, back, or face could especially be a concern. Repeat this two or three times a day until the bruise has healed. Dr. Cunha says that it will take between one to two weeks for bruises to completely heal.2. It is a rare condition that mostly affects males. should i be concerned? This damage causes the blood vessels to leak blood, leading to discoloration of the skin. When blood isnt clotting like it should, bleeding can be heavier or longer than normal. Required for collagen production, boosting the immune system, and maintaining antioxidant activity, vitamin C is versatile and vital to health. Your doctor may recommend controlling diabetes with diet or prescribe you medication. Home; Health A to Z; Back to Health A to Z Black eye. May occur following a lack of fresh fruit and vegetables over prolonged periods of time. Bruises and blood spots under the skin. As a result, there is less body material to cushion a blow, so the body gets bruised easily. Why do I bruise do easily? Factor V deficiency is a rare bleeding disorder wherein people lack the protein coagulation factor V. This prevents the blood from clotting. For example, being in the sun too long, aging, or a vitamin deficiency can weaken small blood vessels near the skin's surface. What is a bleeding disorder? Vitamin C: Fact sheet for consumers. (n.d.). Treatingan associatedpsychological problem can often relieve the physical symptoms. There are signs that the bruise has become infected. Learn more about what the colors of a bruise mean here. If you are able to, you can also keep the bruise elevated above the heart to prevent further blood pooling. Always mention any unusual bruising during pregnancy to a doctor or midwife. They typically arise due to an underlying health condition such as diabetes. It can be used as part of an ointment like the one described below. Bad bruises, also known as hematomas, can occur following a more serious injury. Bruising in pregnancy. Bruises, also referred to as contusions, occur when there is an injury to tissues underneath the skin.