Often you can discover a bruise on your body without being able to recall how it got there. However, if this is something that is happening to you more and more frequently, it may be a sign that something more sinister could be at play.
Easy bruising is common with age but can sometimes be a symptom of a serious problem with your health.
Bruises can sometimes indicate a serious underlying condition, such as a blood-clotting problem, liver disease or a blood disease.
You should see your doctor if you:
- Have frequent, large bruises, especially if your bruises appear on your trunk, back or face.
- Have bruises that seem to develop for no reason.
- Have easy bruising and a history of significant bleeding, such as during a surgical procedure.
- Suddenly begin bruising, especially if you recently started a new medication.
- Have a family history of easy bruising or bleeding.
These signs and symptoms can indicate:
- Low levels of the blood components that help it clot after injury (platelets).
- Abnormally functioning platelets.
- Problems with proteins that help the blood clot.
To identify the cause of the bruising, your doctor will check your blood platelet levels or do tests that measure the time it takes your blood to clot.
However, it is important to note that not all bruising is a sign of a serious illness. For example, aspirin, anticoagulant medications and anti-platelet agents reduce your blood's ability to clot.
As a result, bleeding from capillary damage might take longer than usual to stop, allowing enough blood to leak out to cause a bigger bruise.
Topical and systemic corticosteroids, which is a medication used to treat conditions such as allergies, asthma and eczema, can cause the skin to thin. This makes it easier to bruise.
Certain dietary supplements, such as ginkgo, can increase your bruising risk due to a blood-thinning effect.
You can take steps to try and reduce the likelihood of bruising or falling.
These include:
- Use good lighting in your home.
- Avoid clutter and throw rugs, especially on stairs.
- Arrange furniture and electrical cords so that they're not in your way when you walk.
- Find out about the side effects of medications you take. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if a medication makes you dizzy or sleepy.
- Have your vision and hearing tested. Even small changes in sight or hearing can cause you to fall.
