Do you have frequent bruising episodes or get bruised easily? Have you ever noticed a sudden bruise on your arm or leg and wondered when it happened? Did you try and find out why it happened? If not, you should start asking yourself that. Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth editorial team, Dr Altaf Patel, Director-General Medicine, Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre, Mumbai, helps us with all the answers and lists down the most possible causes of easy bruising.
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Possible Causes Of Easy Bruising
Ageing
Ageing is the most common cause of easy bruising, says Dr Patel. According to him, as people get older, their skin vessels get a little fragile, leading to bruising. As per Mayo Clinic, the skin in older people becomes thinner and loses some of the protective fatty layer cushioning that helps prevent injury to the blood vessels.
Blood thinners
Certain medications can also lead to easy bruising. For instance, Dr Patel says that people on blood thinners get easily bruised, even with minor injuries. According to the British Heart Foundation (BHF), bruises occur when the tiny blood vessels break and start to leak. Blood thinners help slow down blood clotting, which means it fastens the blood leaking process, causing more bruises.
Low platelets
Dr Patel says, "Bruising can occur due to low platelets, which can have several causes including diseases like malaria, dengue or from more serious conditions." Bruising due to a severely low number of platelets is associated with a condition called Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP), according to Mayo Clinic. It is a disorder that leads to easy and excessive bruising and bleeding.
Vitamin deficiencies
Certain vitamin deficiencies, such as vitamin C and K deficiencies, can lead to easy bruising. While the body uses vitamin C to build collagen, an integral part of the structure of the blood vessels, vitamin K helps the body to form clots, which stops bleeding and leaking of the blood vessels. Low vitamin C levels can in fact cause a condition called scurvy, which can lead to symptoms such as easy bruising, bleeding gums and wounds that take ages to heal.
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What The Doctor Recommends?
Easy bruising may not be a cause of worry until and unless it is a result of an underlying condition. Bruising due to old age or vitamin deficiencies or due to medications like blood thinners are not concerning, as it is natural, can be managed or regulated, respectively. However, keep an eye out for:
- Frequent, large bruises on your trunk, back or face
- Sudden bruising with no specific causes
- If you have a family history of easy bruising or bleeding
Dr Patel recommends,"You need to get a bleeding and bruising profile to know whether you have anything serious and from there onwards, decide whether you need any further investigation or treatment."
Bottomline
Any changes in the body should be addressed and consulted with a doctor, even if it is something as benign-looking as a bruise. While there is no reason to be paranoid, getting an expert opinion can help rule out serious conditions.
