Dr. John Cunha on eMedicineHealth explains that discoloration on the skin is caused by tiny blood vessels breaking under the skin. There may be a blood clotting issue or another underlying condition that needs treatment. Our gait becomes more unstable, and we bump into things a little more than we used to. Therefore, treatment options will vary widely if you are experiencing bruising because of a health condition. What is the latest research on the form of cancer Jimmy Carter has? There are many natural home remedies you can use to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and help bruises heal faster. Your doctor may recommend controlling diabetes with diet or prescribe you medication. When your blood takes longer to clot, more of it leaks from your blood vessels and accumulates under your skin. Peripheral vascular disease or PVD is a disorder that can cause the blood vessels outside of your heart and brain to narrow, block, or spasm. Bruises happen when an injury causes blood to leak into the skin. Some other symptoms include fever, a stiff neck, vomiting, and headaches. Bleeding Disorders, American Society of Hematology; http://www.hematology.org/Patients/Bleeding.aspx, last accessed August 28, 2017. Bruises often change colors as they heal. Cushing syndrome. This essential oil mixture works rather well if it is applied right after a round of ice or cold therapy. Vitamins perform many important functions in your blood. Common medically unexplained symptoms include: pains in the muscles or joints back pain headaches tiredness feeling faint chest pain heart palpitations stomach problems About 1 in 4 people who see a GP have physical symptoms that cannot be explained. If youre bleeding more than normal for some reason, the blood will pool under your skin and cause a bruise. I have a bruise on my stomach where my appendix should be.. should i be worried? 2016;93(4). Learn how we can help. Bruises that take longer than usual to disappear are another concern. Vasculitis is an autoimmune disease that causes the inflammation of the blood vessels themselves. Symptoms of an Achilles tendon rupture are hard to ignore. Learn how we can help 1.8k views Answered >2 years ago Thank 3 thanks A 18-year-old female asked: could that be the cause of it. Other medications can cause excess capillary fragility and decreased platelets, all of which can lead to unexplained bruising. Whenever this blood gets trapped under the surface of the skin, it will form a bruise. Canadian Cancer Society. Platelets are cells that help the blood to clot and stop bleeding. Mayo Clinic Staff. Bruising is the most common injury sustained by children who have been subject to physical abuse. Although random or sudden bruising does not necessarily mean that a person has a medical condition, it may still be worth discussing with a doctor. If a bruise lasts well past the four-week mark, its a good idea to seek medical advice as it may be a sign of one of the conditions mentioned. We avoid using tertiary references. As a result, there is less body material to cushion a blow, so the body gets bruised easily. 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). Experiencing random bruising can be alarming, but it doesnt always warrant a visit to your doctor. Sign Up for the Latest Health News and Tips, Home General Health Unexplained Bruising: Causes, Diabetes Connection & the Life-Cycle of a Bruise. i do an injection in that place. In many cases, random bruising doesnt require any treatment at all and will heal on its own. Bruise symptoms and signs. The bumps usually heal on their own within 3 to 8 weeks without leaving a scar. (n.d.). ? Another indication of possible leukemia is lots of bruises with no indication as to a cause. 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/. 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. Hemophilia is a genetic condition wherein people lack either clotting factor VIII or IX, resulting in excessive bruising. Other symptoms of iron deficiency include: Although rare in healthy adults, vitamin K deficiencies can slow the rate at which blood clots. When blood doesnt clot quickly, more of it pools beneath the skin and forms a bruise. Once the mixture is cool, tighten the lid and place into the fridge until needed. Many people find that they have unexplained bruising on legs and want to know what causes bruises to appear for no apparent reason. After 24 hours have passed, try using a heat pack to get the circulation flowing and relax the muscle area around the bruise. Cushing syndrome develops when you have too much cortisol in your blood. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. Shmerling, R. H. (2018). 2016;17(3):283-286. doi:10.1007/s11154-016-9399-3, Gudmundsdottir SA, Moller PH, Arngrimsson R. Ehlers-Danlos-heilkenni af gerd IV. The bruise is caused when blood cells are damaged, and blood leaks into the top layers of the skin. It aids in the delivery of oxygen throughout the body to cells and without adequate oxygen, skin becomes more likely to bruise. This accounts for around 75% of all cases of thrombocytopenia in pregnancy. The condition can lead to bruising that lasts longer than normal because of the way it affects wound healing. Random bruising caused by diabetes occurs when the condition affects the blood vessels and causes peripheral vascular disease. 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 tricky part is knowing which. Extensive bruising secondary to vitamin C deficiency. When certain blood vessels are damaged, blood platelets bind together to repair the issue. A ruptured Achilles tendon is not uncommon for athletes and can cause a great deal of pain. They aid in the formation of red blood cells, help maintain mineral levels, and lower your cholesterol. 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. You might have many of these remediessuch as tea bags and aloe vera right at your fingertips. The National Hemophilia Foundation says that along with excessive bruising, hemophiliacs usually have unexplained nosebleeds, extended bleeding from minor cuts and scrapes, and women may have very heavy menstrual periods.8. The good news is that yellow is usually the final color in the healing process and usually occurs within seven to 10 days. A pharmacist can help with erythema nodosum. Widespread bruising or petechial rash would be concernin Dr. John Munshower and another doctor agree. Anyone who suspects liver or kidney disease should consult a doctor. Bruises and blood spots under your skin. It is more commonly associated with specific insects. Skin manifestations of Cushing's syndrome. WebMD. How much exercise you should do will depend on your current health and capabilities. You notice bruises on your legs or other areas of your body for no apparent reason. If you are able to, you can also keep the bruise elevated above the heart to prevent further blood pooling. Disclaimer: Results are not guaranteed*** and may vary from person to person***. 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. They generally affect the back, legs, and hands. Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia). It's important toconsider whetherany medicine you're taking may be causing your symptoms for example,taking painkillers long term can lead to headaches. Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease where the bodys immune system attacks its own tissues and organs. If you notice abnormal bleeding under your skin after a sunburn, you should call your doctor for a checkup.9. Hemophilia A is a genetic condition that affects the bloods ability to clot. If you notice that you have bruising after working out that is unexplained or the result of an injury, you should follow the RICE method to help the bruise heal quicker. Random bruising on your legs (as well as on other body parts) can cause unsightly skin discoloration as a result of a mild trauma or injury. Easy bruising is sometimes a symptom of the late stages of chronic kidney disease. Hemophilia A and hemophilia B are hereditary conditions that cause blood not to clot as easy or as much as other people. Signs and symptoms of non-hodgkin lymphoma. Sjukratilfelli og sjukdomseinkenni [Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type IV. Unexplained Bruising on Your Body: Causes and Treatments was last modified: July 17th, 2019 by Jenny Hills, Nutritionist and Medical Writer. In rare cases, one of the following conditions may cause random bruising. 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. Read our. Case study and clinical findings]. Thereare things you can do to improve or even relieve some physical symptoms,such as taking regular exercise and managing stress. Has an estimated prevalence of 1 in 15,000-20,000 and is generally inherited as an autosomal dominant condition. 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 suffer from diabetes, you may notice that you bruise easily and bruises last longer. 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. That being said, you should see your doctor if: Its difficult to avoid bruising completely, especially when the cause is unknown. 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. People who have cancers in parts of the body responsible for blood production, like the liver, may also experience unusual clotting. This may result in blood leaking from vessels and accumulating under the skin. 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. Laeknabladid. Easy bruising. We avoid using tertiary references. Here are some key factors in random bruising: Unexplained bruising is very common and heals relatively quickly. 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. Other common causes of blood spots include low blood platelets, blood clotting disorders, inflammation in the blood vessels, and vitamin C deficiency. 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. They typically arise due to an underlying health condition such as diabetes. Page last reviewed: 12 July 2021 When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here's what might be causing them and how theyre treated. Cushing syndrome causes the skin to thin, resulting in easy bruising. The liver is an organ that helps the body create many chemicals that are involved in clotting. I've had the flu now my stomach and part of my back is bruised what could be the cause? You have systemic symptoms such as fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes or unintentional weight loss along with unexplained bruising. What Are These Tiny Red Spots on My Skin (Petechiae)? 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. Bad bruises, also known as hematomas, can occur following a more serious injury. A hematoma tends to be the result of a greater trauma than ecchymosis. The fatty layer of our skin begins to thin as we get older. What Is the Treatment for Random Bruising? These unexplained bruises can be the result of many factors ranging from the simple effects of aging to the warning signs of disease. American Cancer Society. A black eye is bruising and swelling around your eye, usually caused by a blow to the area, such as a punch or fall. This makes helichrysum essential oil great for dealing with bruises. Also, as we get older, we tend to lose a little bit of our balance and coordination. This essential oil can help reduce swelling and increase blood circulation, which can help the bruise heal faster. 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. 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. Older adults often experience random bruising as part of the natural aging process. Cancer can cause unexplained bruising in two different ways. WebMD. It also eliminates harmful free radicals that can lead to tissue degeneration and random bruising. When a person bruises easily, this can lead to random and unexplained bruises from everyday activities that would typically not cause bruising. The website Drugs.com warns that long-term overexposure to the suns harmful UV rays can cause the skin to bruise easily on exposed areas. 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. UW Health. Bruising in the geriatric population. Signs and Symptoms of Abnormal Bruising in Children, The 9 Best Vitamins and Supplements for Skin Health. See a doctor or other healthcare provider right away if you experience any of the following: Last medically reviewed on November 9, 2018. When blood isnt clotting like it should, bleeding can be heavier or longer than normal. The result of extreme vitamin C deficiency is scurvy, which also leads to bleeding gums, fingernail and tooth loss, and heart failure. Serious liver disease can cause easy bruising because the liver cant produce enough blood clotting factors. One cause of random bruising on legs or bruises that appear after a minor injury is a vitamin deficiency. People who have this condition have joints that move far beyond the typical range of motion and stretchy skin. Non-Hodgkins lymphoma is a cancer that starts in lymphocyte cells, which are part of the immune system. There are signs that the bruise has become infected. If unexplained you should be examined by a physician, as it could be nothing to worry about but it could represent a skin disorder, or clotting disorder. As the healing stage continues, the blood in the bruise will break down further, and the hemoglobin will release a compound called biliverdin. And yes, getting older also means that we will be a little more prone to injury. Supplements like ginkgo biloba, ginger, turmeric, and St. Johns Wort also carry similar blood thinning issues. May occur following a lack of fresh fruit and vegetables over prolonged periods of time. To learn more, please visit our. The American Cancer Society says that leukemia can cause a number of symptoms including weight loss, constant tiredness, recurrent infections, and unexplained bleeding.22. Along with frequent unexplained bruising on your legs, diabetes causes increased thirst and urination, weight loss, nausea, and abdominal pain. 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. Unexplained Bruising on Your Body: Causes and Treatments, Jenny Hills, Nutritionist and Medical Writer, why some people shouldnt take turmeric regularly, get relief from sunburn using natural remedies, Warning Signs That You Have Poor Blood Circulation, Seven Types of Pain You should Never Ignore, Top 10 Natural Remedies for Swollen Ankles, Legs and Feet. Bruising of Legs: Causes, Remedies, and Prevention, Bruised Elbow (Elbow Contusion) Symptoms and Treatment Tips. 2019;35(4):e70-e71. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Bleeding and bruising (thrombocytopenia) and cancer treatment. Random bruising may happen without a clear cause or injury. But if you still find unusual bruises after switching up your diet or cutting back on OTC pain relievers, it may be time to consult a doctor. Vora, A., & Makris, M. (2001). 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. The following are some possible causes of random bruising. Repeat this two or three times a day until the bruise has healed. Keeping an eye out for other unusual symptoms may help you determine if theres an underlying cause. Bleeding disorders. Am Fam Physician. People who have hemophilia B are missing a clotting factor called factor IX. This is a type of cancer that affects your blood as well as your bone marrow. According to Dr. Neha Pathak on WebMD, some common viral infections that can cause unexplained bruising are chickenpox, mumps, and rubella. Although in rare cases random bruising can be a sign of a serious condition, the bruising will be accompanied by many other symptoms. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Vitamin deficiencies of various sorts can lead to unexplained bruises. Certain medications make you more susceptible to bruising. This means that a minor bump or injury can cause large or lumpy bruises. This is a type of cancer that begins in lymphocyte cells, which are immune cells designed to aid in the fight against pathogens. White, G. (2008). Vitamins and minerals: What you should know about essential nutrients. Bruising (Hematoma), Chemocare; http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/side-effects/bruising.aspx, last accessed August 28, 2017. Bleeding and bruising in cancer patients. AAFP. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. (2017). Most bruises are nothing to worry about and will heal within a couple of weeks. However, the report recommends that any unexplained bruising on an older person be investigated to rule out the possibly of abuse. WebMD. These compounds are known as biliverdin and bilirubin and are actually pigments that occur naturally when they break down blood. Please note, we cannot prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other abusable medications. Bruises are common and usually disappear with time. However, medicine isn't always the answer painkillers or sedatives, for example,may lead to dependence. These bruises end up being a flat, purple-colored bruise. Vitamin K supplements are often given to prevent unexplained bruising in people who take blood thinning medication.6. If you arent getting enough vitamin C, your skin may begin to bruise easily, resulting in random bruising. A poor diet can affect health in a number of negative ways, and vitamin deficiencies can contribute to random bruising. HealthTap uses cookies to enhance your site experience and for analytics and advertising purposes. Is my bruising normal? doi:10.1097/PEC.0000000000001083. Can poor sleep impact your weight loss goals? For the most part, bruises will eventually heal on their own. Icelandic. Random or unexplained bruising on legs can happen for a number of reasons. (2009). At Healthy and Natural World, our mission is to empower people to take control of their own health by providing comprehensive, practical and well researched information. Consuming certain nutrients may help reduce your risk. Bruising in leukaemia VS ordinary bruising. Von Willebrand disease is a genetic disorder that affects your bloods ability to clot. This type of bruising is the one you are most familiar with. Some viral infections can cause a condition called thrombocytopenia that affects blood clotting. 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. 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. However, it should not appear in isolation and may appear alongside fatigue, appetite loss, abdominal pain, and nausea. Chronic kidney disease. 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. This may help speed the healing process because it lowers inflammation and prevents more blood from pooling in the area. In this article, you will find out what could be causing random bruising on your legs and other body parts, and in some cases, how to get rid of the bruise quickly. Achilles Tendon Rupture: Symptoms to Look For, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, Ruptured Spleen: Symptoms and Treatment in Adults and Children, Drug-Related Bicycle Accidents Drawing Concerns, a crawling or tingling feeling in your legs, cravings to eat things that are not food, such as ice, dirt, or clay, excessive bleeding from punctures or wounds, tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands or feet, severe bleeding after injuries, dental work, or surgeries, nosebleeds that last longer than 10 minutes, a cough, difficulty swallowing, or breathlessness (if the lymphoma is in the chest area), indigestion, stomach pain, or weight loss (if the lymphoma is in the stomach or bowel), excessive bleeding after injury, surgery, or childbirth, purple stretch marks on the breasts, arms, abdomen, and thighs, fatty tissue deposits in the face and upper back, a bruise that increases in size over time, a bruise that doesnt change within two weeks, severe night sweats (that soak through your clothes), unusually heavy periods or large blood clots in menstrual flow. 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. Other symptoms may include weight loss .