Why do I bruise easily? 8 possible causes Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe What to know about bruising easilyMedically reviewed by Angela M. Bell, MD, FACP — By Zawn Villines — Updated on April 25, 2022Bruising happens when blood becomes trapped under the skin, usually due to an impact that damages a small blood vessel. Minor bruises often heal in a few days. Some people bruise more easily than others, and the bruising can take longer to heal. A fall, blow, or anything else that exerts sudden high pressure on the skin can cause a bruise. Very forceful blows can damage bones, causing deep bleeding and bruises that take several weeks to heal. Some people bruise more easily than others. They may notice bruises but not know why they happened. They may also develop large bruises after minor injuries or have bruises that take many weeks to heal. Factors that increase the risk include older age, having a condition that affects blood clotting, and using medications such as blood thinners. Here, find out some reasons one person may bruise more easily than another. What is a bruise Share on PinterestJay_Zynism/Getty ImagesA bruise develops when blood vessels become damaged, and blood leaks into tissues under the skin. This causes the characteristic black or purple color of a bruise. On dark skin, bruising may also appear red or purple, or it may show as a darker area than the surrounding skin, depending on the person’s skin tone. In time, body tissues absorb the blood, and the color fades. Here, learn more about how bruising appears on dark skin. Signs of easy bruising Some signs that an individual bruises more easily than an average person include:developing very large, painful bruises after minor injurieshaving many bruises without remembering their causefrequently developing bruises that take many weeks to heal Causes Numerous factors can cause a person to bruise more easily. The most common include the following: People tend to bruise more easily with age, because blood vessels weaken, and the skin thins. Easy bruising may also run in families, so individuals whose relatives bruise easily may notice that they do too. Medications Blood-thinning medications may cause a person to bleed and bruise more. Some popular blood thinners include:warfarin (Coumadin)heparinrivaroxaban (Xarelto)dabigatran (Pradaxa)apixaban (Eliquis)aspirin (Bayer)ibuprofen (Advil)naproxen (Aleve) Some other medications may weaken or change the behavior of blood vessels, worsen inflammation, or otherwise increase the risk of bleeding. They can include the following:some herbal remedies, such as ginseng, flaxseed, and saw palmettocorticosteroidssome chemotherapy drugs and targeted therapy, which can lower platelet levels in the blood People taking medication who notice an increase in bleeding or bruising should ask a doctor whether their medication can cause bleeding. They may wish to discuss the risks and benefits of continuing treatment. Liver disease Cirrhosis and other conditions can have an impact on liver function. Liver disease can affect blood clotting, which can increase the risk of bleeding and easy bruising. Other symptoms of liver disease include:itchingfatiguea general feeling of being unwellswelling in the legsdark urineyellowing in the whites of the eyes, a sign of jaundice Alcohol is a major contributing factor to liver disease, but the condition can also result from cancer and other health issues. Learn more about the symptoms of liver disease here. Bleeding disorders Many genetic conditions can affect blood clotting. Von Willebrand’s disease, the most prevalent bleeding disorder, affects about 1% of the population. A person with this condition has little or no von Willebrand protein, which is important for blood clotting. Synthetic hormone treatment can improve blood clotting in people with the condition. Hemophilia involves low levels of blood clotting factor VIII (hemophilia A) or factor IX (hemophilia B). Both proteins are important for blood clotting. Synthetic versions of these clotting factors can help treat hemophilia and reduce the risk of serious bleeding and bruising. A person with a genetic bleeding disorder has a higher risk of bruising and excessive, possibly life threatening bleeding. The bruises will look like regular bruises, but they can be larger. The symptoms will be present from birth and can affect babies and young children. Vitamin deficiencies Certain vitamins enable the body to heal and the blood to clot. Low vitamin C levels can cause a condition called scurvy. The body uses vitamin C in creating collagen, an essential part of the structure of blood vessels. In scurvy, the blood vessels weaken, resulting in:bleeding gumswounds that do not healeasy bruising Vitamin K helps the body form clots to stop bleeding. Newborns often have very low levels of vitamin K, which are insufficient to stop bleeding. Without a vitamin K injection at birth, babies may bruise easily or bleed excessively. Adults with low vitamin K levels may also notice a sudden increase in bruising. A doctor can carry out tests to see whether a person has a vitamin deficiency. In some cases, supplements or a change in diet can help. In other cases, an underlying health condition, such as inflammatory bowel disease, may need addressing. Vasculitis Vasculitis refers to a group of conditions that cause inflamed blood vessels. Symptoms include:increased bleeding and bruisingshortness of breathnumbness in the limbsulcersskin lumpspurple spots on the skin, known as petechiae On dark skin, petechiae may not always show up, which means a doctor could miss them. They may be visible in areas with less melanin, such as the forearms. The type of treatment depends on the severity of the vasculitis and which area of the body it affects. Several medications, including steroids, may help. Senile purpura Senile purpura is common among older adults, affecting around 10% of those aged over 50 years. It causes dark purple bruise-like lesions on the skin and is most likely to develop on the arms and hands. They are more common in people with light skin, but anyone can develop them. On Brown and Black skin, they may appear purple or as darker skin. The skin around may be thinner and less elastic. The lesions often appear after an injury to the skin but last longer than bruises and can be much larger. Sometimes, the skin remains brown after the lesion heals. Ways of reducing the risk of bruising include:protecting the skin from sunlighttaking care to avoid injuriesbeing aware that corticosteroids and blood-thinning drugs can worsen symptoms Senile purpura does not have links with any serious health condition, but it may increase the risk of skin tears. Cancer Rarely, an increase in bleeding and bruising may be a sign of leukemia. This is a type of cancer that affects white blood cells. There are different types of leukemia, and symptoms vary. Often, there are no symptoms in the early stages, but a person may notice:bleedingbruisingpetechiae, small spots under the skin, like a rash, where blood vessels have brokenfeverfatiguebone painheavy menstruationabdominal swelling Petechiae may not be visible on dark skin, but a person may see them on areas with lower levels of melanin, such as the forearms. Anyone who experiences these symptoms should seek prompt medical advice, as early treatment is often effective. What is a leukemia rash? Treatment Bruises usually fade in time and do not need treatment. However, first aid after an injury may help reduce swelling and discomfort. First aid for a bruise after an injury involves:ensuring the person is comfortableraising and supporting the injured partapplying a cold pack or ice wrapped in a cloth for 20 minutes, as this can reduce swelling Never apply ice directly to the skin. Other treatment options include using pain relief medication, such as ibuprofen. Some people apply arnica to the skin, but there is not enough evidence to show it speeds up healing. People who bruise easily may need medical help for an underlying condition. How can I get rid of a black eye? When to contact a doctor People should consult a doctor about easy bruising if:bruising occurs more often or more severely than beforethey have other symptoms, such as fever, low energy, or skin changesthey are taking medication and begin bruising more easilybruises are slow to healthey notice petechiae, small red spots resembling a rash under the skinthey develop purpura, purple patches under the skin A person should seek emergency help if a large bruise develops after a trauma, especially if they also have lightheadedness or dizziness. These could be signs of internal bleeding. What do the colors of a bruise mean? Frequently asked questions Here are some questions people often ask about easy bruising. Do older adults bruise more easily Older adults often bruise more easily, because the skin becomes less flexible with age, and there is less fat to protect the blood vessels. Sun exposure can also increase the risk. Does diabetes affect bruising In people with diabetes, wounds, including bruises, can take longer to heal. What is the treatment for a bruise Bruises usually heal without treatment, but raising the bruised part and applying ice covered in a cloth may help reduce swelling. Outlook In most cases, a person who bruises easily is unlikely to develop complications after a bruise. However, easy bruising can be a sign of an underlying condition and a higher risk of bleeding overall. Anyone who notices they are bruising more often or more easily than usual should seek medical advice to rule out other health issues or seek treatment as appropriate. Last medically reviewed on April 25, 2022DermatologyAlcohol / Addiction / Illegal DrugsBlood / HematologyLiver Disease / Hepatitis 27 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. 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. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Abebe, W. (2019). Review of herbal medications with the potential to cause bleeding: Dental implications, and risk prediction and prevention avenues.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6459456/Becker, A., et al. (2021). Battle sign.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537104/Bleeding and bruising (thrombocytopenia) and cancer treatment. (2018).https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/bleeding-bruisingBruises. (n.d.).https://www.sja.org.uk/get-advice/first-aid-advice/minor-illnesses-and-injuries/bruising/Bruises and blood spots under the skin. (2021).https://hhcseniorservices.org/health-wellness/health-resources/health-library/detail?id=bruse&lang=en-usChapter 3: Cultural competence in the health history and physical examination. Transcultural concepts in nursing care. (2008).https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=rdEnV1HWrvgC&pg=PA53&lpg=PA53&dq=petechiae+on+dark+skin&source=bl&ots=GCS3T1Wm6J&sig=ACfU3U21RcgbdFRCvNilevL4MVz5-XK2Yg&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjgweO64IT3AhVGZcAKHWOVATgQ6AF6BAhBEAM#v=onepage&q=petechiae%20on%20dark%20skin&f=falseChennamadhavuni, A., et al. (2021). Leukemia.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560490/Das, J. M., et al. (2021). Raccoon sign.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542227/Diabetes symptoms. (n.d.).https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/type-1/symptomsEasy bruising and bleeding. (2016).https://www.aafp.org/afp/2016/0215/p279-s1.htmlFlores, B., et al. (2017). Hemostasis, bleeding and thrombosis in liver disease.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6136435/Hafsi, W., et al. (2021). Actinic purpura.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448130/Harrison, L. B., et al. (2017). Investigating easy bruising in an adult [Abstract].https://www.bmj.com/content/356/bmj.j251Hemophilia A. (n.d.).https://www.hemophilia.org/Bleeding-Disorders/Types-of-Bleeding-Disorders/Hemophilia-AHemophilia B. (n.d.).https://www.hemophilia.org/Bleeding-Disorders/Types-of-Bleeding-Disorders/Hemophilia-BHiu-Kan, K. (2014). Senile purpura.https://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/senile-purpura/Maxfield, L., et al. (2021). Vitamin C deficiency.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493187/Narum, S., et al. (2014). Corticosteroids and risk of gastrointestinal bleeding: A systematic review and meta-analysis.https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/4/5/e004587Ngan, V. (2021). Scurvy.https://dermnetnz.org/topics/scurvyScurvy. (n.d.).https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/10406/scurvySherban, A., et al. (2021). Growing role for arnica in cosmetic dermatology: Lose the bruise [Abstract].https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33930256/Signs and symptoms of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). (2018).https://www.cancer.org/cancer/acute-myeloid-leukemia/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-symptoms.htmlSoft tissue injuries. Information for patients. (2017).https://www.ouh.nhs.uk/patient-guide/leaflets/files/10879Psofttissue.pdfVasculitis. (2021).https://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-Conditions/VasculitisVitamin K. Fact sheet for health professionals. (2021).https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminK-HealthProfessional/Von Willebrand disease. (n.d.).https://www.hemophilia.org/educational-programs/education/von-willebrand-diseaseWhat is vitamin K deficiency bleeding? (2021).https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/vitamink/facts.htmlFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Angela M. Bell, MD, FACP — By Zawn Villines — Updated on April 25, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageHematoma: Everything you need to knowMedically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D.O. A hematoma occurs when blood leaks from a large blood vessel. In this article, learn about the causes and symptoms of hematomas as well as the…READ MOREWhat is a black eye and what can I do about it?Medically reviewed by Shilpa Amin, M.D., CAQ, FAAFP A black eye is when the tissue under the skin around the eye is bruised. There is usually swelling and pain, too. Home remedies may be enough, but…READ MOREWhat to know about petechiaeMedically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D.O. Here is a look at petechiae, small nonraised hemorrhages that appear on the skin. Included is detail on what they look like and when to contact a…READ MOREDifferences between purpura and petechiaeMedically reviewed by Kevin Martinez, MD Purpura and petechiae are discolored spots of skin that result from leaking blood vessels. The difference involves size: Purpura are bigger. Learn…READ MOREEverything you need to know about bone bruiseMedically reviewed by William Morrison, M.D. When a muscle or soft tissue bruises, the signs can be clear to see. But a bone deep within the soft tissues can also bruise and be less visible…READ MORE