It is surprisingly common to unexpectedly find a bruise on your body. Bruises typically form when the blood vessels under your skin break and start to leak. The blood then changes color as your body goes through the process of reabsorbing it. Women are also more likely to experience these random bruises than men. Most of the time, these bruises are harmless, but if you get large or slow-to-heal bruises quite often, it may be worth having it checked out. In the article below, we will take a closer look at the various reasons that people keep finding these random bruises on their bodies.
As skin begins to thin with age and years of exposure to harmful sun rays, there’s far less cushion protecting the tiny capillaries under your skin. Even little knocks can potentially rupture these delicate vessels, resulting in unsightly purple patches, especially on the forearms and hands. To dermatologists, this is known as actinic (solar) purpura. Women tend to notice it sooner as they typically bruise more easily than men. It is important to use sunscreen daily and wear long sleeves on days with a high UV index. Gentle moisturisers can also help prevent bruises while protecting the skin’s barrier.
If your bruises arise alongside fatigue or heavier-than-usual periods, part of your issue may be iron deficiency. Women who are of reproductive age are particularly vulnerable due to menstrual blood loss. If blood tests have confirmed that you have an iron deficiency, then you should try increasing your iron levels with supplements and a change in diet. You shouldn’t rely on self-diagnoses, as these symptoms often overlap with other issues. Sudden changes in periods are also cause for concern and should be evaluated by a doctor.
Sometimes these random bruises aren’t really random at all and are simply the result of little accidents that you barely tend to notice. It is quite easy for certain limbs that stick out, such as thighs and shins, to hit on desk corners or bedframes without you noticing until the bruise forms in all its glory a little while later. If you are the type of person who bruises easily, even a mall bump can end up leaving a big bruise. If you have a habit of burping into certain objects in your house, maybe consider making a slight readjustment to your furniture layout.
Some people just bruise a lot easier than others. Genetics also plays a role, in addition to the fact that skin gets thinner with age. Other known factors that can cause easy bruising are alcohol consumption, having fair skin, and going through certain stages of life. This doesn’t mean bruises should be ignored, as patterns still matter. Consider keeping a photo diary if new bruises seem to constantly appear out of nowhere. These timelines can potentially help clinicians tell the difference between ordinary vessel fragility and something that needs testing.
A lack of iron is not the only deficiency that can cause you to bruise easily. While deficiencies in vitamins C or K are quite rare, they do occur and often result in bruising. Vitamin C is known to support the collagen that protects vessel walls, and vitamin K is needed for effective clotting. If you have too little of either of these, a little bump can result in a large bruise. A deficiency of vitamin B12 can also cause bruises as well as certain liver issues that affect clotting proteins.
Sometimes, these random bruises are a sign of an underlying condition that needs to be addressed. This could be caused by anything from low platelets to infections such as sepsis, inherited bleeding disorders, or liver disease that reduce the number of clotting proteins. On rare occasions, blood cancers such as leukemia or multiple myeloma are accompanied by bruising and other symptoms. Concerning signs to be aware of include bruises with regular nosebleeds, blood in urine or stool, fevers, fatigue, and unexpected weight loss.
There are also certain types of medications that make bruises appear easier. For example, prescription anticoagulants, aspirin, and NSAIDs reduce clotting, so this means that leaked blood tends to spread further. Even natural products can affect you: fish oil, ginkgo, garlic, turmeric, and some other herbs can slightly raise your risk of bleeding. If you notice new bruises starting to appear after a change in medication, talk to your clinician before stopping anything. Sometimes a small change in dosage is all you need to take care of the issue.
Usually, most bruises fade away in a couple of weeks, changing in color from blueish black to yellow and brown as they heal. There are several instances in which it is important to seek medical attention for your random bruises. These include the appearance of large and painful bruises, bruises emerging after starting new medication, and bruises that recur in the same place. It’s also important to have them looked at if they show no sign of improvement after seven to fourteen days. While each person bruises differently, any change in the way your body typically responds to bruises is reason to have it seen to. Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and is for information only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about your medical condition and/or current medication. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking advice or treatment because of something you have read here.
