Another method of treating an unexpected bruise is using essential oils. Allow the mixture to simmer for approximately 30 minutes. They usually heal without treatment, but home remedies for bruises may be, Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. Researchers are expressing concerns over the number of bicycle accidents involving drugs. Also, UV rays can contribute to the dermatoporosis effect in the skin. Bruising usually occurs as a result of accidental trauma, but may be non-accidental. I have a bruise on the bottom left side of my stomach. its painless and i have no idea what's the cause. Von Willebrand disease is a genetic disorder that affects your bloods ability to clot. A bruise is a haematoma that forms due to bleeding under intact skin into subcutaneous tissue, caused by vascular damage or injury. Clotting screen (prothrombin time [PT], activated partial thromboplastin time [aPTT], and international normalized ratio [INR] if the person is taking . 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. Bruising in pregnancy. If unexplained . The following are some possible causes of random bruising. Medicine such asantidepressantscan be helpful, even if you're not depressed. A 15-year-old boy with anemia and leg bruising. Someone with von Willebrand disease might notice large or lumpy bruises from minor, even unnoticeable, injuries. 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. So, if the bruise is still there well after four weeks, its recommended that you seek medical attention. Other symptoms of vitamin K deficiency include: If you suspect that your bruising is a result of deficiency, see a healthcare provider. What Is the Treatment for Random Bruising? Vora, A., & Makris, M. (2001). eMedicineHealth. For example, being in the sun too long, aging, or a vitamin deficiency can weaken small blood vessels near the skins surface. Take the mixture and pour it into a muslin bag and squeeze it into a pan. Can poor sleep impact your weight loss goals? Learn more about what the colors of a bruise mean here. Read More Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Why do I bruise more easily as I age? However, random, sporadic bruising may be a symptom of something less obvious, especially if there are other symptoms. Treatingan associatedpsychological problem can often relieve the physical symptoms. Best food forward: Are algae the future of sustainable nutrition? Stratakis CA. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Spontaneous bruising is very common after 45-50 years of age and also depends upon the skin type. 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. Bleeding disorders may cause large bruises to develop without any explanation. 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. A person with kidney disease bruises easily due to a loss of skin elasticity. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Why do I bruise so easily? Finally, the hemoglobin will break down and release a chemical called bilirubin, which will cause the bruise to turn yellow. By Angelica Bottaro Bruising in the geriatric population. Its good to remember that in most cases the cause of unexplained bruising is nothing to worry about. 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.. These compounds are known as biliverdin and bilirubin and are actually pigments that occur naturally when they break down blood. 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. Bruising in leukaemia VS ordinary bruising. Bruises and blood spots under the skin. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? This can cause your platelet count to drop, which will impact your bloods ability to clot and lead to easy bruising and bleeding. Certain medications and supplements can cause the blood to thin and result in random bruising on the body. AAFP. Certain severe medical conditions can cause unexplained bruising, bleeding, and blood clots. 4.9k views Answered >2 years ago. Unexplained leg bruising can be due to liver disease, nutritional deficiencies, autoimmune conditions, and other disorders. Some medications can lead to easy or random bruising because of how they affect the body. Using intervals of ice and heat can help ease the pain of a bruise and get the healing process started. For the most part, a bruise will heal on its own within two to four weeks. 2017;22(7):365-366. doi:10.1093/pch/pxx139, Wolpert K, Szadkowski M, Miescier M, Hewes HA. Without treatment, these may increase in size, join together, and form larger bruises. Factor V deficiency is a rare bleeding disorder wherein people lack the protein coagulation factor V. This prevents the blood from clotting. 2008 Nov; 88(11): 12541264. Bleeding and bruising. It also eliminates harmful free radicals that can lead to tissue degeneration and random bruising. Bleeding and bruising in cancer patients. Easy bruising and bleeding. Why is my stomach bruising for no reason? 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. WebMD. (2017). Easy bruising after minimal or no trauma is thought to occur due to platelet dysfunction and capillary fragility. People who are prone to bruising may not remember a minor trauma and assume that the bruise has appeared out of nowhere. However, there are early warning signs of diabetes that can indicate you are at risk for developing the disease. NHS. If you notice abnormal bleeding under your skin after a sunburn, you should call your doctor for a checkup.9. There are several causes that may lead to unexplained bruising, like certain medications, nutrient deficiencies, and medical conditions. 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. Mix a few drops of chamomile essential oil with a carrier oil like almond or coconut oil. Leukaemia and myeloma happen when there are too many abnormal cells in the blood and bone marrow (where blood cells are made). If it persists, see your doctor! Cushing syndrome causes the skin to thin, resulting in easy bruising. Non-Hodgkins lymphoma is a cancer that starts in lymphocyte cells, which are part of the immune system. Learn more about bruises on dark skin here. MacDonald E, Price V, Ramsey S, McLaughlin R. A 15-year-old boy with anemia and leg bruising. Underlying bleeding disorders such as hemophilia, thrombocytopenia, or factor V deficiency can cause bruising. Bruise symptoms and signs. 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. Specific medications include: Blood thinners are given to people who have issues with blood clotting. So, this makes it easier for the body to bruise. People who take blood thinners bruise more easily. A low platelet count is also called thrombocytopenia, and there are a few potential causes, such as: Cushing's syndrome is a condition that arises when levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, are too high in the blood. Other common causes of blood spots include low blood platelets, blood clotting disorders, inflammation in the blood vessels, and vitamin C deficiency. Learn more. This may result in blood leaking from vessels and accumulating under the skin. Doctors typically provide answers within 24 hours. Older adults often experience random bruising as part of the natural aging process. Iron: Iron is vital for healthy blood cells. May occur following a lack of fresh fruit and vegetables over prolonged periods of time. Anyone who suspects liver or kidney disease should consult a doctor. This can help reduce the swelling as well as the coloring of the bruise. Paediatr Child Health. Cines, D. B., & Levine, L. D. (2017). Knowing the reason for the appearance of mysterious bruises can help to prevent them in the future. Learn more about these serious fractures, how theyre treated, and what to expect. How long does it take for a bruise to heal? It also explains bruising in pregnancy and when to see a doctor. They contain a compound called tannin. Here are some key factors in random bruising: Unexplained bruising is very common and heals relatively quickly. I would recommend being seen. Signs and symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. 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. 5. 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. Extensive bruising secondary to vitamin C deficiency. Skin manifestations of Cushing's syndrome. Chronic kidney disease. HealthTap uses cookies to enhance your site experience and for analytics and advertising purposes. Last medically reviewed on June 28, 2020, A bruise usually results from a blow to the body. It's important toconsider whetherany medicine you're taking may be causing your symptoms for example,taking painkillers long term can lead to headaches. Let's look at symptoms and treatments. Vitamins and minerals: What you should know about essential nutrients. Dr. Blahd says that if you have no other symptoms, then random bruising is nothing to worry about. 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. Venosa, A., Unexplained Bruising Have You Feeling Blue? As the healing stage continues, the blood in the bruise will break down further, and the hemoglobin will release a compound called biliverdin. Bruising: Summary. could that be the cause of it. 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. 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. Vitamin K. These spots, called purpura, are common in older adults but may be a sign of inflamed blood vessels in younger people. If you are able to, you can also keep the bruise elevated above the heart to prevent further blood pooling. American Society of Hematology. What Are the Risk Factors for Random Bruising? Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease where the bodys immune system attacks its own tissues and organs. I have a bruise on the lower left side of my stomach near my belly button. Other common symptoms of a bleeding disorder include: Sepsis is an infection that causes a buildup of toxins in the blood or tissues. Hydrocolloid bandages are used to treat open, superficial wounds and open pimples. Vitamin C deficiency. Symptoms can occur at any age, but most severe cases tend to occur during childhood. Unfortunately, as we get older, getting unexplained bruises becomes more of a fact of life due to skin changes and medications. Canadian Cancer Society. When you combine this with everything mentioned above, bruises begin to be a more likely and repeated occurrence. For example, hemophilia and Willebrand disease affect the bloods ability to clot and can cause bleeding and excessive bruising resulting in black or dark skin patches. The fatty layer of our skin begins to thin as we get older. Vasculitis is an autoimmune disease that causes the inflammation of the blood vessels themselves. This is called dermatoporosis. Physical symptoms can cause depression and anxiety, and these can in turn make the physical symptoms worse, creatinga vicious circle. Without enough vitamin C in the body, random bruising can occur. Bruises, also referred to as contusions, occur when there is an injury to tissues underneath the skin. Signs and symptoms of vasculitis. The possible benefits of medicine always need to be weighed against the potential side effects. Ecchymosis, which occurs when blood leaks from a broken capillary into surrounding tissue, is common and requires a preventive treatment plan. Vitamins perform many important functions in your blood. WebMD. Signs and symptoms of non-hodgkin lymphoma. It aids in the delivery of oxygen throughout the body to cells and without adequate oxygen, skin becomes more likely to bruise. Icelandic. 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. That being said, you should see your doctor if: Its difficult to avoid bruising completely, especially when the cause is unknown. When the liver is damaged, it stops producing the proteins required for blood clotting. Cancer can cause unexplained bruising in two different ways. I have a bruise on my stomach where my appendix should be.. should i be worried? However, if the discoloration does not heal within a few weeks, it is worth talking to a doctor. Inflammatory breast cancer. (2018). The forensic science behind bruise healing [Infographic]. (n.d.). Angelica Bottaro is a professional freelance writer with over 5 years of experience. One cause of random bruising on legs or bruises that appear after a minor injury is a vitamin deficiency. You just have to figure it out- blood thinners, trauma some more severe problems with coagulation. DOI: 10.1136/bcr.08.2008.0750. Are you taking too much anti-inflammatory medication? If youve recently overdone it at the gym, you may develop bruises around the affected muscles. (2009). This is a type of cancer that affects your blood as well as your bone marrow. Bleeding disorders. A GP will aim to rule out all the possible conditions that might be causing your symptoms. any help? For example, a lack of vitamin C can lead to scurvy which causes unexplained bruising and bleeding. Bruises develop when capillaries burst after an impact, while blood clots occur when an injury damages blood vessels. For many people, reaching an older age also brings with it medications and medical conditions that make it easier for your body to bruise. Angelica Bottaro is a writer with expertise in many facets of health including chronic disease, Lyme disease, nutrition as medicine, and supplementation. Top answers from doctors based on your search: Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Intense exercise can leave you with more than just sore muscles. Amitrano, L. et al., Coagulation disorders in liver disease, Seminars in Liver Disease, February 2002; 22(1): 83-96. In many cases, random bruising doesnt require any treatment at all and will heal on its own. Bruises, Cleveland Clinic; https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/bruises, last accessed August 28, 2017. Side effects: Anticoagulant medicines. Other symptoms of a vitamin C deficiency include: You may begin to bruise easily if you arent getting enough iron. 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. (n.d.). Usually it is from unnoticed trauma or accidents. Depending on the severity of the trauma that has caused the bruise in the first place, the average bruise will last somewhere between two to four weeks. It is more commonly associated with specific insects. If your blood cells arent healthy, your body wont be able to get the oxygen that it needs to function. These bruises end up being a flat, purple-colored bruise. Bleeding under the skin may also present as pinprick-sized red or purple dots that resemble a rash. If you find yourself in pain because of the bruise, you can apply a cold compress and keep the bruise elevated above the heart. Experts say prevention programs are needed. (2017). Harvard Health Publishing Harvard Medical School. When certain blood vessels are damaged, blood platelets bind together to repair the issue. That is one reason why some people shouldnt take turmeric regularly for medicinal purposes. Excessive insulin can trigger hyper pigmentation in the areas of the body where there are natural folds of skin, such as the groin, armpits, and neck. 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. Dyer JM, Miller RA. 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. Chronic skin fragility of aging: current concepts in the pathogenesis, recognition, and management of dermatoporosis. She is an assistant clinical professor of family medicine at Quinnipiac University and works in private practice in Hartford, Connecticut. Anticoagulants used for dialysis, as well as the anemia caused by kidney disease, can cause low platelet production. What Are These Tiny Red Spots on My Skin (Petechiae)? Some viral infections can cause a condition called thrombocytopenia that affects blood clotting. 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. Thereare things you can do to improve or even relieve some physical symptoms,such as taking regular exercise and managing stress. Bruises that are caused by underlying health conditions are addressed by treating the specific condition or disease. People with von Willebrand disease are born with the condition, but may not develop symptoms until later in life. 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. Medications such as anticoagulants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroids reduce the bloods ability to clot. I've had the flu now my stomach and part of my back is bruised what could be the cause? Vitamin K is one of the nutrients that help blood to clot. On top of genetics, aging can be a factor of unexplained bruising. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Is Diabetes and Unexplained Bruising Connected? 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). Certain health conditions, medications, and even inherited disorders can cause random bruising. Bruises happen when an injury causes blood to leak into the skin. ? Other symptoms of iron deficiency include: Although rare in healthy adults, vitamin K deficiencies can slow the rate at which blood clots. 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. However, unexplained bruising by itself isnt the only symptom of a bleeding disorder. There are various risk factors associated with random and easy bruising, such as genetics, age, and sex. Chamomile essential oil, and Roman chamomile, in particular, is often used for its anti-inflammatory properties. 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. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. 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. 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 . 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. Blood platelets are specific cells that exist within the blood. For example, cirrhosis is the result of continuous long-term damage, and bruising easily is a symptom. It is difficult to make a diagnosis without an examination. Experiencing random bruising can be alarming, but it doesnt always warrant a visit to your doctor. Mayo Clinic Staff. Diseases like cancer and diabetes, as well as other medical conditions, become more prevalent as we get older. As a result, there is less body material to cushion a blow, so the body gets bruised easily. These unexplained bruises can be the result of many factors ranging from the simple effects of aging to the warning signs of disease. Most often, a ruptured spleen is caused by blunt force trauma. People can prevent vitamin deficiencies by making dietary changes and taking supplements. However, if a person experiences other symptoms alongside random bruising, further investigation may be necessary. it is not painful. People who have cancer and are struggling to eat may also experience vitamin deficiencies that impact the bloods ability to clot. Unexplained bruising on your legs is one of the signs of advanced diabetes. Easy 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. WebMD. (2017). There are some hereditary conditions and bleeding disorders that can cause issues with bruising. 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. Drugs. In some people, random bruising may be impacted by their genes simply because of how they are physically built. Von Willebrand disease is a bleeding disorder similar to hemophilia as it also causes the body to be unable to make one of the proteins that are a key part of the blood-clotting process.