Doctor reveals reason why you’re bruising so easily
Ever just been minding your own business only to notice a dark purple patch on your thigh? Or maybe it’s a more reddish hue located on your wrist? Or even a sprawling green mark wrapped across your shin?
Well, it seems many of us – myself definitely included – discover these mystery bruises all over our bodies without a clue on how they even got there in the first place.
So, to help shine some light on this strange bodily phenomenon, a doctor has revealed exactly why you’re bruising like a peach and what to do about it.
What causes a bruise?
Dr. Claire Merrifield, a GP and medical director at Selph, explained that bruises form when capillaries break under the skin and release blood. Usually, this happens after some kind of injury, such as a fall or bumping into something hard enough to break the capillaries.
After the capillaries break, your body quickly works to ‘plug the holes’ and stop any more blood from leaking out.
Medication
Some medications, including blood thinners, aspirin, certain antibiotics, and antidepressants, can increase your tendency to bruise, warns Dr. Merrifield. She added that any medication that makes you very sleepy can also make you more prone to bumping into things and therefore increase bruising.
If you suspect your medication might be causing you to bruise more easily, speak with your doctor before making any changes.
Alcohol
Dr. Merrifield also noted that excessive alcohol consumption can significantly affect liver function. Your liver plays an essential role in preventing and healing bruises, so excessive drinking can lead to frequent bruising.
Nutrition
Nutritional deficiencies, particularly low levels of vitamin C or vitamin K, can make you more prone to bruising easily. Vitamin C helps maintain the strength of skin and blood vessels, while Vitamin K is essential for making clotting factors, which help stop bleeding when you cut yourself.
Unfortunately, there aren’t any good tests for these vitamins, so it’s essential to ensure you’re getting enough fruits and vegetables in your diet. Consider supplements if you think you’re not getting enough.
Periods
Hormonal changes during periods can also increase bruising in women. Sometimes women who have heavy periods might experience bruising from relatively minor injuries. While this is usually nothing to worry about, it’s still something you should discuss with your doctor.
Age
Lastly, age is a significant factor. As we get older, we tend to bruise more easily. This happens because our skin becomes thinner, making blood vessels more fragile and prone to bruising.
Above all, Dr. Merrifield stresses that anyone who experiences new, unexplained, or unusual bruising should speak to their doctor as soon as possible.
If you’re concerned about frequent, easy, or unexplained bruising, especially if it’s a new development, it’s crucial to consult with your GP promptly. They’ll assess your overall health and may conduct blood tests to determine if any underlying conditions are contributing to the bruising.
