I bruise very easily?

Question

There have been times where my brother has simply flicked me and I've bruised. I was in a theatre production this past few weeks and just from kneeling on stage I have some nasty bruises on my legs. Should I consult a doctor? .. Also, just throwing this in here. I slipped on ice a couple of days ago and it hurt to walk but my upper thigh area didn't bruise. Yesterday I slipped on a dress and fell on the same spot, I couldn't even sleep on that side as it was so painful, but there is still no bruise today? Usually I bruise almost instantly! Maybe I'm just being paranoid though. Thoughts?

? · Accepted Answer

Skin bruising is usually caused by a minor contusion or injury. You may find that you bruise more easily on your legs, because your legs are generally more prone to injury and the effect of gravity on blood flow. You may bruise easily from minor bumps or scrapes. This may simply be a familial, or inherited tendency to bruise easily and it is not necessarily a cause for concern. Easy bruising is also referred to as purpura simplex. However, frequent and unexplained bruising can also be a sign of something more serious, such as a blood clotting disorder or a blood disease, so contact your health care provider to discuss your symptoms.
 
In some cases, bruising is a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting.
 
Bruising due to injury
 
Bruising is often caused by everyday injuries or more serious trauma including:
 •
 Blunt force, such as a blow to the face

•
 Child or domestic abuse

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 Falling

•
 Motor vehicle collision

•
 Sports injury

 
Bruising due to age, gender and lifestyle factors
 
Easy or unexplained bruising can be caused by age, gender and lifestyle factors such as:
 •
 Aging skin

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Alcohol abuse (decreases blood clotting)

•
 Female gender (women bruise more easily than men)

 
Bruising due to serious underlying diseases
 
A variety of diseases, disorders and conditions can cause bruising symptoms, including easy or unexplained bruising and purpura. Purpura is caused by spontaneous leaking of blood from tiny blood vessels (capillaries), resulting in purple or red flat spots or patches on the skin and mucus membranes. Some underlying causes of unexplained bruising or purpura include:
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 Aplastic anemia

•
 Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis

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 Certain infectious diseases, such as meningitis, mononucleosis and measles

•
 Cushing’s disease

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 Hemophilia (inherited bleeding disorder)

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 Insect bites

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Leukemia

•
 Organ failure

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 Thrombocytopenic purpura diseases (potentially life-threatening platelet disorders that cause problems with blood clotting)

•
 Vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels)

•
 Vitamin C deficiency (scurvy)

•
 Von Willebrand's disease (inherited bleeding disorder)

 
Medications that can cause bruising
 
Always tell your doctor about any medications or treatments you are using including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, supplements, and herbal or alternative treatments. The following medications may be a possible cause of easy bruising or purpura:
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 Anticoagulants (blood thinners such as warfarin and heparin)

•
 Antidepressants including serotonin reuptake inhibitors and tricyclics

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 Aspirin

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 Fish oil

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 Ginkgo biloba

•
 Interferon

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 Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen

•
 Penicillin

•
 Plavix (antiplatelet medication)

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 Radiation or chemotherapy

•
 Testosterone replacement therapy

 
What are the potential complications of bruising?
 
Complications associated with bruising can be progressive and vary depending on the underlying cause. Because easy or unexplained bruising can be due to serious diseases, failure to seek treatment can result in complications and permanent damage. It is important to contact your health care provider when you experience any kind of persistent or recurrent bruising or bleeding symptoms, such as lacerations or cuts that take a long time to stop bleeding. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, following the treatment plan outlined by your doctor can lower your risk of potential complications including:
 •
 Coma due to brain contusion or hematoma

•
 Compartment syndrome (complication of severe muscle bruise)

•
 Hematoma

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 Hypovolemic shock and coma due to contusions or hematomas of organs such as the liver or spleen

•
 Risk of fracture, especially in the elderly

Hope this answers your question :)

Anonymous · Answer

vitamin k

I bruise very easily?

2 Answers