See a doctor if you notice:
🔸 Frequent bruising with no known cause
🔸 Bruises that last longer than 2 weeks
🔸 Bruises in unusual spots: stomach, back, ears, face, or genitals
🔸 Large, painful bruises that grow over time
🔸 Bruising + other symptoms: fatigue, bleeding gums, nosebleeds, or heavy periods
💡 Note: Easy bruising is common in fair-skinned people, women, and older adults—but sudden changes always warrant attention.
🔍 6 Common Causes of Unexplained Bruising
1. Vitamin Deficiencies
Vitamin C: Needed for collagen—low levels = fragile blood vessels (scurvy in severe cases).
Vitamin K: Essential for blood clotting—deficiency = prolonged bleeding/bruising.
Vitamin B12 or Folate: Affects red blood cell production.
🥦 Fix: Eat more citrus, leafy greens, eggs, and lean meats—or get tested.
2. Medications & Supplements
Blood thinners: Warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto
NSAIDs: Aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen
Steroids: Prednisone thins skin
Supplements: Fish oil, ginkgo, garlic, ginseng, vitamin E (all can increase bleeding risk)
💊 Never stop meds without consulting your doctor—but do mention bruising at your next visit.
3. Aging
After 50, skin thins, fat pads shrink, and blood vessels weaken—making bruising easier (often called “senile purpura”).
→ Usually harmless, but protect fragile skin with moisturizer and padded clothing.
4. Blood Disorders
Thrombocytopenia: Low platelet count
Von Willebrand disease: Inherited clotting disorder
Leukemia or lymphoma: Can cause abnormal bruising + fatigue, weight loss, night sweats
🩸 Key: If bruising comes with unexplained fatigue or infections, seek evaluation.
5. Diabetes
Chronic high blood sugar damages blood vessels and impairs circulation, leading to slow-healing bruises and skin changes.
→ Often paired with dry, itchy skin or dark patches (acanthosis nigricans).
6. Autoimmune or Liver Disease
Liver cirrhosis: Reduces clotting factor production
Lupus or vasculitis: Causes inflammation of blood vessels
🩹 How to Treat a Bruise (The Right Way)
First 48 Hours: RICE
