St. John, T., The Changing Colors of Bruises and What They Mean, Symptom Find, May 7, 2016; https://www.symptomfind.com/health/changing-colors-bruises-and-what-they-mean/, last accessed August 28, 2017. Signs and symptoms of acute lymphocytic leukemia. ? Without enough vitamin C in the body, random bruising can occur. The presentation of a fussy infant with bruising: late-onset vitamin K deficiency bleeding. Bruising in the geriatric population. This may result from an uptick in your bodys natural cortisol production or overuse of corticosteroid medications. If you develop a blood clot, your doctor will probably test you for thrombophilia and may put you on blood thinners (anticoagulants). People who take blood thinners bruise more easily. This means that a minor bump or injury can cause large or lumpy bruises. Angelica Bottaro is a professional freelance writer with over 5 years of experience. This can result in random bruising or larger bruises from trauma to the skin.3. Random bruising may happen without a clear cause or injury. Cardiovascular health: Insomnia linked to greater risk of heart attack. For example, hemophilia and Willebrand disease affect the bloods ability to clot and can cause bleeding and excessive bruising resulting in black or dark skin patches. For many people, reaching an older age also brings with it medications and medical conditions that make it easier for your body to bruise. 1999 Aug;41(2 Pt 1):207-8. Bruises. it is not painful. Top answers from doctors based on your search: Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. There is also the issue of acanthosis nigricans. Skin manifestations of Cushing's syndrome. For potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service. Unexplained bruising Swelling in the abdomen Spider-like red spots on your skin Enlarged breasts Fatigue Confusion Yellowing of skin and eyes Vomiting blood Dark stools Your liver has many functions, including helping in digestion, removing waste from the body, and producing certain proteins. 5. I have a bruise on the bottom left side of my stomach. Late-stage kidney disease often has unexplained or easy bruising as a side effect, but not necessarily due to the disease itself. This article will expand on factors in and causes of random bruising and accompanying symptoms. 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). To learn more, please visit our. That is one reason why some people shouldnt take turmeric regularly for medicinal purposes. Learn more about bruises on dark skin here. Usually it is from unnoticed trauma or accidents. A 15-year-old boy with anemia and leg bruising. The American Cancer Society says that leukemia can cause a number of symptoms including weight loss, constant tiredness, recurrent infections, and unexplained bleeding.22. 2016;93(4). People can prevent vitamin deficiencies by making dietary changes and taking supplements. (n.d.). This bleeding disorder is a lifelong condition. It is impossible to completely prevent bruising. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Serious liver disease can cause easy bruising because the liver cant produce enough blood clotting factors. WebMD. (2017). For others, the symptoms may be part of a poorly understood syndrome, such as: The fact that doctors are unable to find a condition causing these symptoms isn't unusual in medicine, and it doesn't mean that nothing can be done to help you. Bleeding and bruising (thrombocytopenia) and cancer treatment. A bruise usually starts off as a black and blue patch of skin and gradually turns green or yellow as it heals.1, You may find that the bruises on your body are painful at first but they may start to itch as they heal. Although in rare cases random bruising can be a sign of a serious condition, the bruising will be accompanied by many other symptoms. Laeknabladid. But first, we need to look at the different types of bruises and what causes them. People that are active should take special precautions while participating in physical activities to prevent injuries that could lead to bruises. Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere. The skin is also thin, fragile, and easily damaged. You may be referred for a talking therapy, such ascognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). For the most part, a bruise will heal on its own within two to four weeks. Side effects: Anticoagulant medicines. Many viral infections can cause thrombocytopenia. For example, being in the sun too long, aging, or a vitamin deficiency can weaken small blood vessels near the skin's surface. This is because women have more fragile blood vessels and may bruise more easily on their legs, upper arms, or buttocks. Why is my stomach bruising for no reason? 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. This essential oil can help reduce swelling and increase blood circulation, which can help the bruise heal faster. Iron deficiency anemia. 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. Please note, we cannot prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other abusable medications. If you think you have an underlying condition that's been missed by your doctor, you can ask for a second opinion. Unexplained leg bruising can be due to liver disease, nutritional deficiencies, autoimmune conditions, and other disorders. Someone with von Willebrand disease might notice large or lumpy bruises from minor, even unnoticeable, injuries. As the healing stage continues, the blood in the bruise will break down further, and the hemoglobin will release a compound called biliverdin. Bruises on the torso, back, or face could especially be a concern. 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. (2018). Easy bruising is sometimes a symptom of the late stages of chronic kidney disease. In rare cases, one of the following conditions may cause random bruising. I've had the flu now my stomach and part of my back is bruised what could be the cause? Experts say prevention programs are needed. A bone bruise is a type of bruise that occurs when blood and fluid build up inside and around an injured bone. Your doctor may recommend controlling diabetes with diet or prescribe you medication. This can cause your platelet count to drop, which will impact your bloods ability to clot and lead to easy bruising and bleeding. Doctors will check a womans platelet levels throughout a pregnancy term, but bruising could be a symptom of gestational thrombocytopenia, which leads to a low platelet count. DOI:10.1055/s-2002-23205, last accessed August 2017. How to tell if it is a bruise or a blood clot, How to get rid of a bruise: Home remedies, bruising occurs for no apparent reason and does not heal within a few weeks, bruises appear in unusual locations, such as the torso, back, or face, there are a number of bruises in one specific area, or a cluster scattered on different parts of the body, bruising appears with other symptoms, such as fatigue, nausea, or a high temperature. 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. It's important toconsider whetherany medicine you're taking may be causing your symptoms for example,taking painkillers long term can lead to headaches. Certain medications make you more susceptible to bruising. When you combine this with everything mentioned above, bruises begin to be a more likely and repeated occurrence. MedlinePlus. What Is the Treatment for Random Bruising? Home; Health A to Z; Back to Health A to Z Black eye. Bruises that take longer than usual to disappear are another concern. Search the NHS website. 2017;22(7):365-366. doi:10.1093/pch/pxx139, Wolpert K, Szadkowski M, Miescier M, Hewes HA. Other symptoms of iron deficiency include: Although rare in healthy adults, vitamin K deficiencies can slow the rate at which blood clots. Here Are Six Possible Reasons Why You Have Them, Medical Daily, March 10, 2016; http://www.medicaldaily.com/unexplained-bruising-contusions-377238, last accessed August 28, 2017. The bruise doesnt heal within two weeks. I've noticed 3 bruises on my stomach for no apparent reason approx. It is the result of blood from damaged blood cells that are deep beneath the skin and collect near the skins surface. I would recommend being seen. Helichrysum essential oil contains a chemical compound called italidione. They can vary in color, and skin color may affect the appearance of a bruise. So, this makes it easier for the body to bruise. Its just a part of being a human being. Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and targeted therapy, may also lead to bruising. I have a bruise on the lower left side of my stomach near my belly button. The colour of the bumps and patches usually changes and fades, like a bruise. its painless and i have no idea what's the cause. Various autoimmune diseases can be a reason why you are bruising easily and cant find the reason for it. 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. Intense exercise can leave you with more than just sore muscles. Other medications can cause excess capillary fragility and decreased platelets, all of which can lead to unexplained bruising. This can cause the bruise to take on a green color or tinge. 2-3 weeks apart. In many cases, random bruising doesnt require any treatment at all and will heal on its own. The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology reported that ascorbic acid (vitamin C) helps to strengthen blood vessels and prevent them breaking. Bruising in pregnancy. 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. Other symptoms of a vitamin C deficiency include: You may begin to bruise easily if you arent getting enough iron. Chamomile essential oil, and Roman chamomile, in particular, is often used for its anti-inflammatory properties. Noble, J. M., & Patterson, M. C. (2020). The area tends to be swollen and painful. Bruising in leukaemia VS ordinary bruising. Massage the oil into the bruised area (again, not too hard). Several medicines are also associated with spontaneo Dr. Gurmukh Singh and another doctor agree. Add the beeswax to the mixture and stir over low heat until the beeswax melts. Dr. Blahd says that if you have no other symptoms, then random bruising is nothing to worry about. Sunburn can take a long time to heal and its effects can be long-lasting. A black eye is bruising and swelling around your eye, usually caused by a blow to the area, such as a punch or fall. doi:10.17992/lbl.2012.06.440. For example, vitamin C is used by the body to strengthen blood vessels. For example, a person may have fairer skin and more fragile blood vessels, two factors that can make bruises develop more easily and appear darker in color. Take the mixture and pour it into a muslin bag and squeeze it into a pan. Massage the mixture carefully into the bruised area (not too hard or you will cause further damage in the bruise). They may prescribe iron tablets or other medication as well as help you modify your diet to meet your nutritional needs. Individuals should speak with a doctor. 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. Managing stressis very important because it's been linked to problems such as pain and IBS. Vitamin deficiencies of various sorts can lead to unexplained bruises. (2018). When a person bruises easily, this can lead to random and unexplained bruises from everyday activities that would typically not cause bruising. 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. Cushing syndrome. The GP should also investigate whether you might have an associated problem, such asdepression or anxiety. 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. Read on to learn more about common causes, what to watch for, and when to see a doctor. Shmerling, R. H. (2018). She is an assistant clinical professor of family medicine at Quinnipiac University and works in private practice in Hartford, Connecticut. 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. Disclaimer: Results are not guaranteed*** and may vary from person to person***. One cause of random bruising on legs or bruises that appear after a minor injury is a vitamin deficiency. This may result in blood leaking from vessels and accumulating under the skin. They usually heal without treatment, but home remedies for bruises may be, Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. HealthTap uses cookies to enhance your site experience and for analytics and advertising purposes. Here are some key factors in random bruising: Unexplained bruising is very common and heals relatively quickly. But what does unexplained bruising mean? It also explains bruising in pregnancy and when to see a doctor. Easy bruising. Its very rare to have spontaneous bruising without any reason. (2016). Bruising is common. Knowing the reason for the appearance of mysterious bruises can help to prevent them in the future. Broken blood vessels on the face can happen to anyone at any age. The result of extreme vitamin C deficiency is scurvy, which also leads to bleeding gums, fingernail and tooth loss, and heart failure. For example, being in the sun too long, aging, or a vitamin deficiency can weaken small blood vessels near the skins surface. Clotting screen (prothrombin time [PT], activated partial thromboplastin time [aPTT], and international normalized ratio [INR] if the person is taking . People with low counts of blood platelets often bruise easily because there are fewer platelets in the blood to repair damaged blood vessels. Sjukratilfelli og sjukdomseinkenni [Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type IV. It also eliminates harmful free radicals that can lead to tissue degeneration and random bruising. Bruises happen to all of us, and there is no way to avoid them. Read our. If youre undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatments, you may have low blood platelet counts (thrombocytopenia). 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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.. If your blood cells arent healthy, your body wont be able to get the oxygen that it needs to function. It should get better within 2 to 3 weeks. Without enough platelets, the blood has trouble clotting. Regular exercisewill help keep you fit andmany people find that it also boosts their mood(read about exercise for depression). Signs and symptoms of non-hodgkin lymphoma. They create and support wound healing. Medications such as anticoagulants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroids reduce the bloods ability to clot. Last medically reviewed on June 28, 2020, A bruise usually results from a blow to the body. Another method of treating an unexpected bruise is using essential oils. Sometimes unexplained bruising on your legs or body is because of hereditary factors. What are bruises? Hemophilia A and hemophilia B are hereditary conditions that cause blood not to clot as easy or as much as other people. Our gait becomes more unstable, and we bump into things a little more than we used to. Intense physical activities like running or lifting weights can also lead to unexplained bruises. The National Hemophilia Foundation. Medications can also hinder the blood clotting process and inhibit platelet function. The condition can lead to bruising that lasts longer than normal because of the way it affects wound healing. I have a bruise on my stomach where my appendix should be.. should i be worried? What Are These Tiny Red Spots on My Skin (Petechiae)? If you are able to, you can also keep the bruise elevated above the heart to prevent further blood pooling. However, if a bruise persists, changes in size, or looks unusual, there may be an underlying condition or other factors. UW Health. Unexplained bruising on your legs is one of the signs of advanced diabetes. Bleeding disorders occur when the blood doesnt clot as it should. Iron: Iron is vital for healthy blood cells. Yes: Yes, it is possible, but should not happen. It mostly occurs in females who have a mental health condition or emotional stress. If it doesn't resolve on it's own, see your family doctor. WebMD. This may help speed the healing process because it lowers inflammation and prevents more blood from pooling in the area. Usually, bruises disappear in about two weeks. Now, youve read about what causes bruises, so it may seem a little odd that a bruise should suddenly form on its own. On top of genetics, aging can be a factor of unexplained bruising. Without enough platelets, your blood clots more slowly than normal. 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. How much exercise you should do will depend on your current health and capabilities. 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. Vitamin K. Extensive bruising secondary to vitamin C deficiency. Many people have persistent physical complaints, such as dizziness or pain, that don't appear to be symptoms of a medical condition. Learn more about these serious fractures, how theyre treated, and what to expect. The purple and black phase usually occurs within two or three days. A bruise is a haematoma that forms due to bleeding under intact skin into subcutaneous tissue, caused by vascular damage 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. Am Fam Physician. 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. This can help reduce the swelling as well as the coloring of the bruise. 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. It can cause excessive bleeding which leads to easy bruising. Icelandic. This doesn't mean the symptoms are faked or"all in the head" they're real and can affect your ability to function properly. 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 certain blood vessels are damaged, blood platelets bind together to repair the issue. It may also result from pricking the skin to test your blood sugar or injecting insulin. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. People who have hemophilia B are missing a clotting factor called factor IX. The neurologist may refer you for psychotherapy but will also consider other therapy options, such as physiotherapy or occupational therapy . Von Willebrand disease is a genetic disorder that affects your bloods ability to clot. However, unexplained bruising by itself isnt the only symptom of a bleeding disorder. See a doctor or other healthcare provider right away if you experience any of the following: Last medically reviewed on November 9, 2018. 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. People with immune thrombocytopenia have a low platelet count, and bruising can also appear for no reason. Anyone who suspects liver or kidney disease should consult a doctor. Dyer JM, Miller RA. Signs and symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. 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. Understanding Bone Bruise or Marrow Edema. Symptoms of a bruise include: Pain or tenderness (sore feeling) when you touch the bruise. 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. The forensic science behind bruise healing [Infographic]. For example, vitamin C is used by the body to strengthen blood vessels. A poor diet can affect health in a number of negative ways, and vitamin deficiencies can contribute to random bruising. People who have hemophilia A are missing an important clotting factor, factor VIII, resulting in excessive bleeding and bruising. Other medical conditions like HIV, aplastic anemia, or leukemia can also affect blood platelets making it more difficult for blood to clot and lead to unexplained bruising.14. Let's look at symptoms and treatments. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. Maybe more thatn the flu. Other common causes of blood spots include low blood platelets, blood clotting disorders, inflammation in the blood vessels, and vitamin C deficiency. Also runners or joggers toenail is one of the most common reasons for bruised toenails as the toe pushes against the front of the shoe while running or jogging. And yes, getting older also means that we will be a little more prone to injury. This type of bruising is the one you are most familiar with. 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. Platelets are cells that help the blood to clot and stop bleeding. (n.d.). 2019;35(4):e70-e71. An approach to investigation of easy bruising. Thrombocytopenia is a condition that affects blood clotting and can be caused by chickenpox, rubella, and mumps. However, medicine isn't always the answer painkillers or sedatives, for example,may lead to dependence. 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. American Cancer Society. The progression of liver disease. Its good to remember that in most cases the cause of unexplained bruising is nothing to worry about. Many essential oils are used to treat various injuries and maladies. 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. Some other symptoms include fever, a stiff neck, vomiting, and headaches. Why do women bruise more easily than men? 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. what is this and the cause ? Angelica Bottaro is a writer with expertise in many facets of health including chronic disease, Lyme disease, nutrition as medicine, and supplementation. Generally, planning some pleasurable personal time to unwind should help whatever helps you relax,whether it'syoga classes, swimming, running,meditation orwalking in the countryside. Repeat this two or three times a day until the bruise has healed. Researchers are expressing concerns over the number of bicycle accidents involving drugs. This makes helichrysum essential oil great for dealing with bruises. This includes the joints, skin, and blood vessel walls.