People with this condition bruise easily, with bleeding from small blood vessels under the skin. Drug-induced liver disease. any help? Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and targeted therapy, may also lead to bruising. What are bruises? 2019;35(4):e70-e71. This inflammations natural side effect is unexplained bruises. I've had the flu now my stomach and part of my back is bruised what could be the cause? Without enough platelets, your blood clots more slowly than normal. Learn more. Most cases of random bruising are nothing to worry about. Non-Hodgkins lymphoma is a cancer that starts in lymphocyte cells, which are part of the immune system. Hills, J., How to Get Rid of Bruises Naturally (According to Research), Healthy and Natural World; http://www.healthyandnaturalworld.com/get-rid-of-bruises/, last accessed August 28, 2017. (2017). This can lead to a decrease in blood flow, causing more strain on your blood cells and bruising for no reason, especially in the legs. It is rare in adults, generally occurring in the neonatal period. Why is my stomach bruising for no reason? For example, a lack of vitamin C can lead to scurvy which causes unexplained bruising and bleeding. There may be a blood clotting issue or another underlying condition that needs treatment. Dr. Cunha says that it will take between one to two weeks for bruises to completely heal.2. (2017). Read on to learn more about common causes, what to watch for, and when to see a doctor. Platelets are cells that help the blood to clot and stop bleeding. DOI:10.1055/s-2002-23205, last accessed August 2017. Bruises. Experts say prevention programs are needed. This may result in blood leaking from vessels and accumulating under the skin. (2017). Random bruising may happen without a clear cause or injury. However, there are early warning signs of diabetes that can indicate you are at risk for developing the disease. After 24 hours have passed, try using a heat pack to get the circulation flowing and relax the muscle area around the bruise. The National Cancer Institute says that chemotherapy can cause random bruising, as well as tiny purple or red spots on your skin.20, An unexplained bruise on your breast that doesnt go away could be a sign of inflammatory breast cancer. When your blood takes longer to clot, more of it leaks from your blood vessels and accumulates under your skin. Widespread bruising or petechial rash would be concernin Dr. John Munshower and another doctor agree. Bruising occurs when blood becomes trapped under the skin, usually following an impact injury that damages small blood vessels. But, there are a couple of essential oils that work particularly well with bruises. The liver is an organ that helps the body create many chemicals that are involved in clotting. Icelandic. Massage the oil into the bruised area (again, not too hard). This means that elderly people are more prone to random bruising than younger adults.3, According to a report prepared by the University of California, elderly people may also be less stable on their feet and can bump into objects frequently causing accidental bruising. Some of the warning signs that a person needs medical attention include bruising that: causes an arm or leg to become numb causes loss of function of a joint, limb or muscle keeps growing in size. This can result in bruising easily on your legs or other areas of your body. Search the NHS website. There is a connection between diabetes and unexplained bruising. 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. Sunburn can take a long time to heal and its effects can be long-lasting. 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. Required for collagen production, boosting the immune system, and maintaining antioxidant activity, vitamin C is versatile and vital to health. Shmerling, R. H. (2018). Therefore, treatment options will vary widely if you are experiencing bruising because of a health condition. Depending on the severity of the trauma that has caused the bruise in the first place, the average bruise will last somewhere between two to four weeks. Page last reviewed: 12 July 2021 It mostly occurs in females who have a mental health condition or emotional stress. People who have hemophilia A are missing an important clotting factor, factor VIII, resulting in excessive bleeding and bruising. Unexplained bruising on the legs . Swelling or a raised bump on your skin (hematoma). Sources: If you arent getting enough vitamin C, your skin may begin to bruise easily, resulting in random bruising. People with low counts of blood platelets often bruise easily because there are fewer platelets in the blood to repair damaged blood vessels. There are signs that the bruise has become infected. J Am Acad Dermatol. Most bruises form when small blood vessels (capillaries) near the skin's surface are broken by the impact of a blow or injury often on the arms or legs. Vitamin K. Thereare things you can do to improve or even relieve some physical symptoms,such as taking regular exercise and managing stress. Although diabetes itself doesnt cause bruising, it can slow your healing time and allow bruises to linger longer than normal. Doctors typically provide answers within 24 hours. 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). They create and support wound healing. Hemophilia A is a genetic condition that affects the bloods ability to clot. Helichrysum essential oil contains a chemical compound called italidione. Some autoimmune diseases that cause unexplained random bruising are: There are some serious advanced medical conditions that can also cause unexplained bruising on your body. Bleeding disorders. Intense physical activities like running or lifting weights can also lead to unexplained bruises. However, it should not appear in isolation and may appear alongside fatigue, appetite loss, abdominal pain, and nausea. 2016;93(4). When a person bruises easily, this can lead to random and unexplained bruises from everyday activities that would typically not cause bruising. May occur following a lack of fresh fruit and vegetables over prolonged periods of time. Repeat this two or three times a day until the bruise has healed. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. What's causing me to bruise so easily and what I do to prevent it? Mix a few drops of chamomile essential oil with a carrier oil like almond or coconut oil. Other symptoms may include weight loss . Although being in the sun is necessary to help the body produce vitamin D, too much sun exposure can damage your skin and cause you to bruise easily. Random or unexplained bruising on legs can happen for a number of reasons. 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Doctors will check a woman's platelet levels throughout a pregnancy term, but bruising could be a symptom of gestational thrombocytopenia, which leads to a low platelet . Although your stomach and back can be. What You Need to Know About Living With Low Platelets. its painless and i have no idea what's the cause. Vitamin deficiencies of various sorts can lead to unexplained bruises. This can help speed up the healing process. Without enough platelets, the blood has trouble clotting. After a few hours, the blood loses oxygen, and the bruise turns bluish in color. Various autoimmune diseases can be a reason why you are bruising easily and cant find the reason for it. We avoid using tertiary references. Usually, these diseases are accompanied by other symptoms and random bruising occurs in the later stages of the disease. Extensive bruising secondary to vitamin C deficiency. 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. 2-3 weeks apart. Medications like aspirin, blood thinners, antibiotics, and anticoagulants can affect the blood cells by making them easier to traumatize, leading to bruising. This causes blood from damaged veins and capillaries to collect near the surface of the skin. Diseases like cancer and diabetes, as well as other medical conditions, become more prevalent as we get older. Along with frequent unexplained bruising on your legs, diabetes causes increased thirst and urination, weight loss, nausea, and abdominal pain. Bruises that take longer than usual to disappear are another concern. 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. Specific medications include: Blood thinners are given to people who have issues with blood clotting. Your doctor may recommend controlling diabetes with diet or prescribe you medication. Bruises range in size, shape and color depending on the type of bruise, cause and location. Medications can also hinder the blood clotting process and inhibit platelet function. Bruising in leukaemia VS ordinary bruising. (2018). Spontaneous bruising is very common after 45-50 years of age and also depends upon the skin type. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Bruises, eMedicine Health; http://www.emedicinehealth.com/bruises/article_em.htm, last accessed August 28, 2017. There are a few autoimmune diseases that can, in some way, make it easier for the body to bruise. Certain severe medical conditions can cause unexplained bruising, bleeding, and blood clots. All rights reserved. The forensic science behind bruise healing [Infographic]. The purple and black phase usually occurs within two or three days. trom the flu, they shold not be bruised. What is a bleeding disorder? Side effects: Anticoagulant medicines. ? For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person). Usually it is from unnoticed trauma or accidents. The condition can lead to bruising that lasts longer than normal because of the way it affects wound healing. Underlying bleeding disorders such as hemophilia, thrombocytopenia, or factor V deficiency can cause bruising. If you are taking blood-thinning medications, you may find that even a slight knock on your leg or arm can easily cause bruising. Blood thinners prevent this clotting, which makes it easier for bruises to develop following minor injuries because of the excessive pooling of blood underneath the skin. Bruise symptoms and signs. Leukaemia and myeloma happen when there are too many abnormal cells in the blood and bone marrow (where blood cells are made). Venosa, A., Unexplained Bruising Have You Feeling Blue? Oftentimes, you can reduce your risk for future bruising by making sure youre getting the right nutrients in your diet. American Society of Hematology. The skin is also thin, fragile, and easily damaged. According to doctors from the Mayo Clinic, aspirin, some antibiotics, and anticoagulant medications can cause clotting problems. Vasculitis is an autoimmune disease that causes the inflammation of the blood vessels themselves. Bernard-Soulier syndrome is a rare, inherited blood clotting disorder. Paediatr Child Health. (n.d.). Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. 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. What causes unexplained bruising? Dr. William Blahd on WebMD says that if your parents bruised easily, there is a greater chance that random bruising will affect you as well.7. In rare cases, one of the following conditions may cause random bruising. People who have cancer often experience excessive bleeding and bruising. Bruising can happen more easily if a person uses certain medications or has a health condition or. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. 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. You have systemic symptoms such as fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes or unintentional weight loss along with unexplained bruising. Random or unexplained bruising on legs can happen for a number of reasons. Learn more about bruises on dark skin here. You might have many of these remediessuch as tea bags and aloe vera right at your fingertips. Bruises develop when capillaries burst after an impact, while blood clots occur when an injury damages blood vessels. If your bruising is tied to medication overuse, you may also experience: gas bloating stomach pain heartburn nausea vomiting diarrhea constipation If you suspect that your bruising is a. Here are some key factors in random bruising: Unexplained bruising is very common and heals relatively quickly. For example, a person should see a doctor if: Occasional bruising is rarely a cause for concern. That being said, you should see your doctor if: Its difficult to avoid bruising completely, especially when the cause is unknown. If your bruising is tied to medication overuse, you may also experience: If you suspect that your bruising is a result of OTC or prescription medication use, see a doctor. Noble, J. M., & Patterson, M. C. (2020). The most common symptom of non-Hodgkin lymphoma is painless swelling in the lymph nodes, which are located in the neck, groin, and armpit. Signs and symptoms of non-hodgkin lymphoma. Cancer. This is a type of cancer that begins in lymphocyte cells, which are immune cells designed to aid in the fight against pathogens. Rev Endocr Metab Disord. If you notice abnormal bleeding under your skin after a sunburn, you should call your doctor for a checkup.9. Unfortunately, as we get older, getting unexplained bruises becomes more of a fact of life due to skin changes and medications. However, the report recommends that any unexplained bruising on an older person be investigated to rule out the possibly of abuse. Easy bruising is sometimes a symptom of the late stages of chronic kidney disease. Intensive exercising can cause unexplained bruises in the parts of your body under stress. Laeknabladid. Native to Europe and Asia, comfrey is a type of shrub that contains allantoin, a chemical that helps skin cells grow and can help speed up the healing process. Manypeople with medically unexplained symptoms, such as tiredness, pain andheart palpitations,also have depression or anxiety. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? If NHL spreads to the bone marrow, it can reduce the number of blood cells in your body. People with immune thrombocytopenia have a low platelet count, and bruising can also appear for no reason. If youre bleeding more than normal for some reason, the blood will pool under your skin and cause a bruise. However, if the discoloration does not heal within a few weeks, it is worth talking to a doctor. I have a bruise on the lower left side of my stomach near my belly button. While there's no evidence of a specific genetic component that drives random bruising, studies have shown that people who bruise easily often have close family members who suffer from easy bruising. Diabetes is a metabolic condition that affects your bodys ability to produce or use insulin. White, G. (2008). A pharmacist can help with erythema nodosum. This can even cause permanent discoloration to your skin. The RICE method for getting rid of a bruise is:11. Symptoms can occur at any age, but most severe cases tend to occur during childhood. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. That is one reason why some people shouldnt take turmeric regularly for medicinal purposes. I have a small bruising on my stomach with a small lump under it. A low platelet count is also called thrombocytopenia, and there are a few potential causes, such as: Cushing's syndrome is a condition that arises when levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, are too high in the blood. Our blood naturally clots to prevent excessive bleeding related to an injury. Health A-Z NHS services Live Well Mental health Care and support Pregnancy . See a doctor or other healthcare provider right away if you experience any of the following: Last medically reviewed on November 9, 2018. Because of this, easy bruising is often a symptom of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Why do I bruise do easily? Let's look at symptoms and treatments. How long does it take for a bruise to heal? For the most part, a bruise will heal on its own within two to four weeks. They typically arise due to an underlying health condition such as diabetes. Canadian Cancer Society. (2009). When the bruise turns yellow, its because more bilirubin is responsible for breaking down the blood and when it turns green, it is the action of biliverdin. This can be done by wearing protective gear while you play sports or engage in other physical activities that could lead to bruising. Stratakis CA. This damage causes the blood vessels to leak blood, leading to discoloration of the skin. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. People can prevent vitamin deficiencies by making dietary changes and taking supplements. We avoid using tertiary references. Bruises on the torso, back, or face could especially be a concern. The lump could be a hematoma which is a lump of coagulated blood. What is the latest research on the form of cancer Jimmy Carter has? This may result from an uptick in your bodys natural cortisol production or overuse of corticosteroid medications. Von Willebrand disease is a bleeding disorder similar to hemophilia as it also causes the body to be unable to make one of the proteins that are a key part of the blood-clotting process. Other symptoms of iron deficiency include: Although rare in healthy adults, vitamin K deficiencies can slow the rate at which blood clots. Some people also bruise more easily than others and a seemingly insignificant knock may leave a black and blue dark patch on their skin. You may be referred for a talking therapy, such ascognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Unexplained bruising causes in older adults is really the culmination of numerous factors that tend to occur once you get older and begin to reach elderly status. Ive been getting a bruise on my left upper ribcage and bruising on my lower right side on my stomach but i haven't had any injury to cause this.. Its very rare to have spontaneous bruising without any reason. Please note, we cannot prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other abusable medications. Learn about breathing exercises for stress. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. But first, we need to look at the different types of bruises and what causes them. (2009). This bleeding disorder is a lifelong condition. The presentation of a fussy infant with bruising: late-onset vitamin K deficiency bleeding. Many people find that they have unexplained bruising on legs and want to know what causes bruises to appear for no apparent reason. It is a traumatic injury slightly less severe than a bone fracture. If they do not, the bruise might be the underlying sign of a larger health issue. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. An unexplained bruise on the breast that doesnt disappear may be one of the first signs of inflammatory breast cancer. While not everyone will experience bruising after a bug bite, it is entirely possible that you develop a small contusion if you get bitten by an insect. Bruises, Cleveland Clinic; https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/bruises, last accessed August 28, 2017. MacDonald E, Price V, Ramsey S, McLaughlin R. A 15-year-old boy with anemia and leg bruising. Sporadic bruising usually isnt cause for worry. Without treatment, these may increase in size, join together, and form larger bruises. This may make your skin more susceptible to bruising. Medications such as anticoagulants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroids reduce the bloods ability to clot. However, random, sporadic bruising may be a symptom of something less obvious, especially if there are other symptoms. Also, leukemia can often be accompanied by unexplained bruising and bleeding. Case study and clinical findings]. They generally affect the back, legs, and hands. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. But, the simpler explanations may surprise you. As the healing stage continues, the blood in the bruise will break down further, and the hemoglobin will release a compound called biliverdin. Bruising: Summary. Chronic skin fragility of aging: current concepts in the pathogenesis, recognition, and management of dermatoporosis. Once that fatty layer has thinned, the sun can directly damage blood cells, causing bruising on the skin. Cancer. Yourbody has a remarkable ability to recover and there's a good chance that your symptoms will improve in time, even without any specific treatment. NHLBI. There is also the issue of acanthosis nigricans. Search. MayoClinic. As the days go by, the blood in the bruise breaks down further and should turn a purple color (and in some cases, even black). 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. These bruises end up being a flat, purple-colored bruise. This essential oil mixture works rather well if it is applied right after a round of ice or cold therapy. Tea bags, specifically black tea bags, can help heal a bruise faster. I have bruise appeared on the inside of my stomach to my right oh belly button what cause it only hurts when i touch, what to do? What Are the Risk Factors for Random Bruising? This occurs in 4.4% to 11.6% of pregnancies. Symptoms of a bruise include: Pain or tenderness (sore feeling) when you touch the bruise. Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in less than one minute for common issues such as: colds and coughs, stomach symptoms, bladder infections, rashes, and more. Without enough vitamin C in the body, random bruising can occur. The neurologist may refer you for psychotherapy but will also consider other therapy options, such as physiotherapy or occupational therapy . This includes the joints, skin, and blood vessel walls. The red coloring is due to the fresh blood near the surface of the skin. Why do I bruise more easily as I age? Can poor sleep impact your weight loss goals? I have a bruise on my stomach where my appendix should be.. should i be worried? Angelica Bottaro is a professional freelance writer with over 5 years of experience. eMedicineHealth. Here are 10 easy treatments to lessen the pain and reduce the visibility. Bruises develop from damage to blood vessels that reside under the skin. Are you taking too much anti-inflammatory medication? In many cases, random bruising doesnt require any treatment at all and will heal on its own. In some cases, random bruising may be associated with one of the following less common causes. Older adults often experience random bruising as part of the natural aging process. i do an injection in that place. Healthy and Natural World is supported by its audience. Some medications can lead to easy or random bruising because of how they affect the body. Amitrano, L. et al., Coagulation disorders in liver disease, Seminars in Liver Disease, February 2002; 22(1): 83-96. 2018;11(1):13-18. There are two types of bruises that you should be aware ofecchymosis and hematoma. The syndrome causes easy bruising because it can lead to thinning skin. Some studies suggest that certain dietary supplements such as fish oil, garlic, and ginseng may also be factors in bleeding and bruising. NHS. should i be concerned? My husband woke up this morning with a bruise on the lower left of his stomach he did not hit anything what could be the cause. Anyone who suspects liver or kidney disease should consult a doctor. For many people, reaching an older age also brings with it medications and medical conditions that make it easier for your body to bruise. People who have hemophilia B are missing a clotting factor called factor IX. Vitamin K cream or ointment may also be able to help in healing a bruise quicker. Bruising (Hematoma), Chemocare; http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/side-effects/bruising.aspx, last accessed August 28, 2017. Easy bruising. It is impossible to completely prevent bruising. it is not painful. It aids in the delivery of oxygen throughout the body to cells and without adequate oxygen, skin becomes more likely to bruise. Although the specific protein involved in this disorder is different than the one associated with hemophilia A, the conditions share the same symptoms. Bruises are often harmless, but they can sometimes indicate a medical condition that requires medical treatment. Possible causes of medically unexplained symptoms See a doctor if you suspect your symptoms are a result of von Willebrand disease. Read on to learn more about unexplained bruising, what causes it, and when to seek medical attention. Broken blood vessels on the face can happen to anyone at any age. Here's what might be causing them and how theyre treated. It is more commonly associated with specific insects. These spots, called purpura, are common in older adults but may be a sign of inflamed blood vessels in younger people. Another indication of possible leukemia is lots of bruises with no indication as to a cause. This article will expand on factors in and causes of random bruising and accompanying symptoms. If it doesn't resolve on it's own, see your family doctor. You can read about these treatments in my article on how to get rid of bruises naturally. Add the beeswax to the mixture and stir over low heat until the beeswax melts. It is a rare condition that mostly affects males. (2016). Liver disease may also make legs swell and cause intestinal bleeding.18. This is because they lower the amount of platelets in the blood. The ultra violet rays of the sun can lead to bruises under the skin.