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. Bruising is common. What is the latest research on the form of cancer Jimmy Carter has? 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. 5. Allow the mixture to simmer for approximately 30 minutes. WebMD. You may be referred for a talking therapy, such ascognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Bruising is the most common injury sustained by children who have been subject to physical abuse. Thats because your body needs iron to keep your blood cells healthy. Harvard Health Publishing Harvard Medical School. (n.d.). Phys Ther. In rare cases, one of the following conditions may cause random bruising. Manypeople with medically unexplained symptoms, such as tiredness, pain andheart palpitations,also have depression or anxiety. This damage causes the blood vessels to leak blood, leading to discoloration of the skin. What Do Your PT/INR and PTT Results Mean? Here Are Six Possible Reasons Why You Have Them, Medical Daily, March 10, 2016; http://www.medicaldaily.com/unexplained-bruising-contusions-377238, last accessed August 28, 2017. Skin manifestations of Cushing's syndrome. I have a bruise on the bottom left side of my stomach. For example, vitamin C is used by the body to strengthen blood vessels. There are a few autoimmune diseases that can, in some way, make it easier for the body to bruise. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Many essential oils are used to treat various injuries and maladies. By Angelica Bottaro Mix a few drops of chamomile essential oil with a carrier oil like almond or coconut oil. Certain medications make you more susceptible to bruising. For many people, reaching an older age also brings with it medications and medical conditions that make it easier for your body to bruise. Vitamin C and K deficiencies can also be responsible for petechial rash or purpura which look like flat tiny red, brown, or purple spots on the skin (petechiae) or larger ones (purpura). Intense exercise can leave you with more than just sore muscles. 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. 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. It means not enough normal blood cells are produced, which can cause anaemia, infections and bruising or bleeding. any help? Learn more about bruises on dark skin here. Are you taking too much anti-inflammatory medication? Some people may be more susceptible to random bruising than others, and depending on the circumstance, you may want to see a healthcare professional. Someone with von Willebrand disease might notice large or lumpy bruises from minor, even unnoticeable, injuries. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. Bruising can happen more easily if a person uses certain medications or has a health condition or. Treatingan associatedpsychological problem can often relieve the physical symptoms. Type 1 diabetes: symptoms. Experiencing random bruising can be alarming, but it doesnt always warrant a visit to your doctor. If unexplained . Learn how we can help 1.8k views Answered >2 years ago Thank 3 thanks A 18-year-old female asked: Other symptoms of iron deficiency include: Although rare in healthy adults, vitamin K deficiencies can slow the rate at which blood clots. In some people, random bruising may be impacted by their genes simply because of how they are physically built. Certain medications and supplements can cause the blood to thin and result in random bruising on the body. WebMD. People with ITP may develop bruises for no apparent reason. Vitamin K supplements are often given to prevent unexplained bruising in people who take blood thinning medication.6. Cancer. Hemophilia A and hemophilia B are hereditary conditions that cause blood not to clot as easy or as much as other people. Drugs. Someone who takes medication and has random bruising should speak to a doctor for advice and to discuss their drug and family medical history. Best food forward: Are algae the future of sustainable nutrition? 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. Bruises, eMedicine Health; http://www.emedicinehealth.com/bruises/article_em.htm, last accessed August 28, 2017. Rochelle Collins, DO, is board-certified in family medicine. According to Dr. Melinda Ratini on WebMD, peripheral vascular disease commonly affects the legs.12 The journal Physical Therapy says that a complication of diabetes is bruising or injuries that dont heal.13. 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. Finally, the hemoglobin will break down and release a chemical called bilirubin, which will cause the bruise to turn yellow. 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. Bruising (Hematoma), Chemocare; http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/side-effects/bruising.aspx, last accessed August 28, 2017. When there is a lack of vitamin K, blood can pool easier and lead to bruising. WebMD. 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. Here are 10 easy treatments to lessen the pain and reduce the visibility. 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. You might have many of these remediessuch as tea bags and aloe vera right at your fingertips. 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. Angelica Bottaro is a professional freelance writer with over 5 years of experience. Many viral infections can cause thrombocytopenia. How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0019483216300074, https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/bernard-soulier-syndrome, https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/bleeding-bruising, https://www.leukaemiacare.org.uk/support-and-information/latest-from-leukaemia-care/blog/spotting-the-difference-bruising-in-leukaemia-vs-ordinary-bruising/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6dC6woaY6gIV0u7tCh1REQm5EAAYASAAEgLGyPD_BwE, https://ashpublications.org/blood/article/130/21/2271/36666/Thrombocytopenia-in-pregnancy, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5394486/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK536983/, https://online.nursing.georgetown.edu/the-forensic-science-behind-bruise-healing-infographic/, https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/factor-v-deficiency, https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/6481/gardner-diamond-syndrome, https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/immune-thrombocytopenia, https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/632, https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/prednisolone/, https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/conditions-and-treatments/conditions-we-treat/septicaemia, https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/are-you-taking-too-much-anti-inflammatory-medication-2018040213540, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/anticoagulants/side-effects/, https://liverfoundation.org/for-patients/about-the-liver/the-progression-of-liver-disease/, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/septicemia, https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/vwd/facts.html, https://aakp.org/whats-causing-me-to-bruise-so-easily-and-what-i-do-to-prevent-it/. 4.9k views Answered >2 years ago. 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. Iron: Iron is vital for healthy blood cells. Bruises develop when capillaries burst after an impact, while blood clots occur when an injury damages blood vessels. Bleeding under the skin may also present as pinprick-sized red or purple dots that resemble a rash. See a doctor or other healthcare provider right away if you experience any of the following: Last medically reviewed on November 9, 2018. Bruising for no reason can be explained and treated. Heart failure: Could a low sodium diet sometimes do more harm than good? Some studies suggest that certain dietary supplements such as fish oil, garlic, and ginseng may also be factors in bleeding and bruising. Discuss with your doctor, you need some blood test Spontaneous signs of bruising(ecchymoses) can occur after taking aspirin or Aleve (naproxen) or with certain blood or liver disorders. Hemophilia is a genetic condition wherein people lack either clotting factor VIII or IX, resulting in excessive bruising. If you are in pain because of the bruise, you can apply a cold compress to the area to slow down blood flow. Liver disease may also make legs swell and cause intestinal bleeding.18. Eventually the body reabsorbs the blood, and the mark disappears. 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. The good news is that yellow is usually the final color in the healing process and usually occurs within seven to 10 days. Mayo Clinic Staff. These spots, called purpura, are common in older adults but may be a sign of inflamed blood vessels in younger people. I've had the flu now my stomach and part of my back is bruised what could be the cause? The GP should also investigate whether you might have an associated problem, such asdepression or anxiety. This is due to weakening blood vessels that are more prone to breakage even with slight injury to the area. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. 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. Vitamin K is one of the nutrients that help blood to clot. American Diabetes Association. It can be used as part of an ointment like the one described below. This can cause your platelet count to drop, which will impact your bloods ability to clot and lead to easy bruising and bleeding. For example, a person should see a doctor if: Occasional bruising is rarely a cause for concern. Several medicines are also associated with spontaneo Dr. Gurmukh Singh and another doctor agree. Bruises typically heal on their own within two weeks of the initial injury. Vitamin C deficiency. There may be a blood clotting issue or another underlying condition that needs treatment. For example, vitamin C is used by the body to strengthen blood vessels. So, this makes it easier for the body to bruise. These types of exercises can, at times, cause tears in the blood cells under the skin and lead to bruising. Bruises happen when an injury causes blood to leak into the skin. Vitamin K cream or ointment may also be able to help in healing a bruise quicker. WebMD. This may result in blood leaking from vessels and accumulating under the skin. This is because women have more fragile blood vessels and may bruise more easily on their legs, upper arms, or buttocks. Also, leukemia can often be accompanied by unexplained bruising and bleeding. Bruising of Legs: Causes, Remedies, and Prevention, Bruised Elbow (Elbow Contusion) Symptoms and Treatment Tips. Bruising or bleeding that is unexplained Lumps or swellings Shortness of breath (breathlessness) Drenching night sweats Infections that are persistent, recurrent or severe Fever (38C or above) that is unexplained Rash or itchy skin that is unexplained Pain in your bones, joints or abdomen (stomach area) 2018;11(1):13-18. Blood platelets are specific cells that exist within the blood. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. (n.d.). But what does unexplained bruising mean? Management typically involves psychiatric treatment. Angelica Bottaro is a writer with expertise in many facets of health including chronic disease, Lyme disease, nutrition as medicine, and supplementation. Once the mixture is cool, tighten the lid and place into the fridge until needed. Is Diabetes and Unexplained Bruising Connected? Bruises happen to all of us, and there is no way to avoid them. The possible benefits of medicine always need to be weighed against the potential side effects. Some deficiencies include vitamin C deficiency and vitamin K deficiency. On top of genetics, aging can be a factor of unexplained bruising. We avoid using tertiary references. Vitamin C: Fact sheet for consumers. This essential oil can help reduce swelling and increase blood circulation, which can help the bruise heal faster. 2004-2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. (2009). How much exercise you should do will depend on your current health and capabilities. Vitamin C, for example, supports your immune system and aids in wound healing. They contain a compound called tannin. eMedicineHealth. doi:10.17992/lbl.2012.06.440. Bruises that take longer than usual to disappear are another concern. Von Willebrand disease is a genetic disorder that affects your bloods ability to clot. If diabetes has already been diagnosed, your bruising may simply be a result of slow wound healing. Ginger should also be used with care if you take medication to thin the blood. Symptoms can occur at any age, but most severe cases tend to occur during childhood. Various autoimmune diseases can be a reason why you are bruising easily and cant find the reason for it. She is an assistant clinical professor of family medicine at Quinnipiac University and works in private practice in Hartford, Connecticut. Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and targeted therapy, may also lead to bruising. There are two types of bruises that you should be aware ofecchymosis and hematoma. Ecchymosis, which occurs when blood leaks from a broken capillary into surrounding tissue, is common and requires a preventive treatment plan. Be aware that certain clotting disorders may be a factor. Why do I bruise more easily as I age? But, the simpler explanations may surprise you. Bruises and blood spots under the skin. Learn more about these serious fractures, how theyre treated, and what to expect. By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies. MacDonald E, Price V, Ramsey S, McLaughlin R. A 15-year-old boy with anemia and leg bruising. This can result in random bruising or larger bruises from trauma to the skin.3. 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. MayoClinic. Bleeding disorders occur when the blood doesnt clot as it should. 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. Whenever this blood gets trapped under the surface of the skin, it will form a bruise. Aging also leads to easier bruising. It also eliminates harmful free radicals that can lead to tissue degeneration and random bruising. The National Cancer Institute says that chemotherapy can cause random bruising, as well as tiny purple or red spots on your skin.20, An unexplained bruise on your breast that doesnt go away could be a sign of inflammatory breast cancer. Vitamin C: Vitamin C is important for many reasons, one being wound healing. 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. Bleeding and bruising (thrombocytopenia) and cancer treatment. its painless and i have no idea what's the cause. Autoimmune disorders occur when the body produces antibodies that attack its own tissues rather than fight infections. If you find yourself constantly bruised up and dont know why, contact your healthcare provider as you may have an underlying health condition or nutrient deficiency to blame for the constant contusions. Warm applications tend to dissolve this type of clot. Erickson, F. (2014). If a person has non-hodgkins lymphoma, especially in their bone marrow, it can reduce blood cell count and blood platelet count leading to clotting issues and random bruising. Disclaimer: Results are not guaranteed*** and may vary from person to person***. These bruises end up being a flat, purple-colored bruise. A bruise is also known as a contusion. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Mayo Clinic Staff. Noble, J. M., & Patterson, M. C. (2020). doi:10.1097/PEC.0000000000001083. 2006 Oct; 65(10): 13411345. They can vary in color, and skin color may affect the appearance of a bruise. People with immune thrombocytopenia have a low platelet count, and bruising can also appear for no reason. Your doctor may recommend controlling diabetes with diet or prescribe you medication. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. The forensic science behind bruise healing [Infographic]. The result of extreme vitamin C deficiency is scurvy, which also leads to bleeding gums, fingernail and tooth loss, and heart failure. 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. After a few hours, the blood loses oxygen, and the bruise turns bluish in color. The lump could be a hematoma which is a lump of coagulated blood. Viral infections can also cause random bruising on legs that is unexplained. For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person). 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. 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. 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. People who have cancers in parts of the body responsible for blood production, like the liver, may also experience unusual clotting. 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. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. People who have hemophilia B are missing a clotting factor called factor IX. The presentation of a fussy infant with bruising: late-onset vitamin K deficiency bleeding. 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. The bruise doesnt heal within two weeks. Supplements like ginkgo biloba, ginger, turmeric, and St. Johns Wort also carry similar blood thinning issues. Signs and symptoms of non-hodgkin lymphoma. Health A-Z NHS services Live Well Mental health Care and support Pregnancy . There are some hereditary conditions and bleeding disorders that can cause issues with bruising. Next review due: 12 July 2024, Learn about breathing exercises for stress, what your symptoms are like, when they started and what makes them better or worse, what you think is the cause of your symptoms and your expectations of how tests and treatments might help, how your symptoms affect what you can do what they stop you doing, how upsetting your symptoms are how they make you feel. Stratakis CA. What Is the Treatment for Random Bruising? If you're in pain, a pharmacist can recommend: stronger painkillers Treating pain with hot and cold can be extremely effective for a number of different conditions and injuries. One cause of random bruising on legs or bruises that appear after a minor injury is a vitamin deficiency. Learn more. One health issue that can arise from a lack of nutrients is unexplained bruising. 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.. Along with the discoloration associated with a bruise, hematomas can also cause the area to feel hard or firm to the touch. If you find yourself in pain because of the bruise, you can apply a cold compress and keep the bruise elevated above the heart. Here are some key factors in random bruising: Unexplained bruising is very common and heals relatively quickly. Dyer JM, Miller RA. If you develop a blood clot, your doctor will probably test you for thrombophilia and may put you on blood thinners (anticoagulants). a rash that looks like small bruises or reddish-purple spots (this may be less obvious on brown or black skin) joint pain; tummy (abdominal) pain; diarrhoea; being sick; blood in urine or poo; Henoch-Schnlein purpura is not usually serious and often gets better without treatment. (2018). It is the result of blood from damaged blood cells that are deep beneath the skin and collect near the skins surface. Platelets are cells that help the blood to clot and stop bleeding. Tannins can help contract the blood vessels which in turn can help heal a bruise quicker. The condition can lead to bruising that lasts longer than normal because of the way it affects wound healing. However, unexplained bruising by itself isnt the only symptom of a bleeding disorder. Learn about breathing exercises for stress. When you strain a muscle, you injure muscle tissue deep under the skin. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Bernard-Soulier syndrome is a rare, inherited blood clotting disorder. A pharmacist can help with erythema nodosum. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Along with frequent unexplained bruising on your legs, diabetes causes increased thirst and urination, weight loss, nausea, and abdominal pain. Thrombocytopenia in pregnancy. 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. WebMD. 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. 2016;93(4). A lack of vitamin C allows weakens the blood vessels and causes the body to bruise easier. People with low counts of blood platelets often bruise easily because there are fewer platelets in the blood to repair damaged blood vessels. But other symptoms, such as joint pain, may last several weeks or months. Without enough platelets, your blood clots more slowly than normal. (n.d.). Paediatr Child Health. (2018). It may also result from pricking the skin to test your blood sugar or injecting insulin. What are bruises? A 15-year-old boy with anemia and leg bruising. Last medically reviewed on June 28, 2020, A bruise usually results from a blow to the body. They typically arise due to an underlying health condition such as diabetes. Let's look at symptoms and treatments. Chronic skin fragility of aging: current concepts in the pathogenesis, recognition, and management of dermatoporosis. So, if the bruise is still there well after four weeks, its recommended that you seek medical attention. 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. If you are taking blood-thinning medications, you may find that even a slight knock on your leg or arm can easily cause bruising. Random bruising could be a sign of a health issue that should be checked out. For potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service. (2017). Sign Up for the Latest Health News and Tips, Home General Health Unexplained Bruising: Causes, Diabetes Connection & the Life-Cycle of a Bruise. Our blood naturally clots to prevent excessive bleeding related to an injury. Unknown bruising is acutally the result of certain factors that can cause you to bruise easier. Vitamins and minerals: What you should know about essential nutrients. 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. For example, being in the sun too long, aging, or a vitamin deficiency can weaken small blood vessels near the skins surface. Extensive bruising secondary to vitamin C deficiency. When blood doesnt clot quickly, more of it pools beneath the skin and forms a bruise. Bleeding Disorders, American Society of Hematology; http://www.hematology.org/Patients/Bleeding.aspx, last accessed August 28, 2017. I have a bruise on my stomach where my appendix should be.. should i be worried? 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. When you combine this with everything mentioned above, bruises begin to be a more likely and repeated occurrence. Tea bags, specifically black tea bags, can help heal a bruise faster. Generally, planning some pleasurable personal time to unwind should help whatever helps you relax,whether it'syoga classes, swimming, running,meditation orwalking in the countryside. According to Dr. Debra Jaliman on WebMD, vigorous exercise like lifting weights or intensive training can cause tiny tears in blood vessels under the skin.10. What Are These Tiny Red Spots on My Skin (Petechiae)? Signs and symptoms of acute lymphocytic leukemia. Ibuprofen (oral route). These unexplained bruises can be the result of many factors ranging from the simple effects of aging to the warning signs of disease. Bruising in leukaemia VS ordinary bruising. In many cases, unexplained or random bruises arent a cause for concern and will likely disappear on their own in a couple of weeks. Educational text answers on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription. Bruises, also referred to as contusions, occur when there is an injury to tissues underneath the skin. The bruise is caused when blood cells are damaged, and blood leaks into the top layers of the skin. They aid in the formation of red blood cells, help maintain mineral levels, and lower your cholesterol. Here are the signs you may need to see a doctor. They create and support wound healing. Bruises often change colors as they heal. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. Venosa, A., Unexplained Bruising Have You Feeling Blue? They can advise you on any next steps. If NHL spreads to the bone marrow, it can reduce the number of blood cells in your body. It is more commonly associated with specific insects. Cushing syndrome. Widespread bruising or petechial rash would be concernin Dr. John Munshower and another doctor agree. HealthTap uses cookies to enhance your site experience and for analytics and advertising purposes. However, if the discoloration does not heal within a few weeks, it is worth talking to a doctor.