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What causes easy bruising?
There are certain factors that increase the severity and frequency of the breaking of the blood vessels close to the skin.
Ageing. The skin of older people is generally thinner because they lose the protective layers of fat, and production of collagen slows down as well.
Blood-thinning medication. This medication (it includes aspirin) slows down the coagulating and clotting process of blood. This can lead to even a small bump leaving a bruise on your skin.
Gender. Women are more susceptible to easy bruising than men.
Treatment for allergies, asthma and eczema. Topical and systemic corticosteroids can lead to your skin becoming thinner. As a result, people who use these medications can bruise more easily.
Inflammation of the blood vessels. Certain auto-immune diseases or long-term chronic diseases can lead to bruise marks under the skin. Vasculitis can cause inflammation of the blood vessels, which in turn can lead to so-called purpura, the result of inflamed blood vessels bursting.
Genetic make-up. Easy bruising sometimes runs in families. Unless it is connected to a specific hereditary condition, it is usually not a cause for alarm.
Possible causes
There are many possible underlying causes of easy bruising. Easy bruising does not necessarily mean that you have a serious health problem. Bruises disappear naturally as the body reabsorbs the blood, although this process can take longer in older people. Bruises are initially black or blue/purple, but fade to green or brown as they heal.
Sometimes people’s living environment or level of mobility can contribute to frequent bruising. Clutter around the house, and having to negotiate stairs or uneven surfaces can lead to bumps and falls.
Here’s more about medical causes of easy bruising:
Vitamin deficiencies. Malnutrition, for example a shortage of vitamin C, can lead to easy bruising. One of the first signs of scurvy, the so-called “sailor’s disease”, is unexplained large bruises.
Hereditary disorders. These can include diseases such as haemophilia, bone marrow disorder (aplastic anaemia), platelet disorders and disorders of blood cell formation and other hereditary disorders of blood clotting.
Serious conditions. Sepsis, which is a life-threatening bacterial blood infection, leukaemia, a cancer of the blood or bone marrow, and cirrhosis of the liver all fall into this category.
The non-medical causes of easy bruising have to do with side effects of medical treatments for several diseases or conditions. The following medications can contribute to easy bruising:
• Certain antidepressants
• Radiation treatment
• Steroids
• Aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Antibiotics
• Anticoagulants, such as warfarin
• Chemotherapy
• Anti-platelet medications
Tests
Easy bruising is a symptom of many other conditions, or a side effect of several medications – therefore a doctor will ask you about your medical history, about whether the easy bruising is a recent thing, about recent treatments and medication changes, and possibly about your family history.
A doctor will also try and determine whether the bruising has been caused by trauma or by surgical procedures. It is possible that certain deep bruises may only become visible several days after such an event.
Treatment
Easy bruising is a symptom – therefore all treatment depends on correctly identifying the underlying cause. In many cases it is not a reason for concern, but it is advisable to visit a doctor in order to put your mind at ease.
