Excessive bruising can be caused by aging, medications, autoimmune conditions, blood disorders, and more. Women are more likely to bruise than men. It’s important to see a doctor if bruising occurs without an obvious cause or is accompanied by other symptoms.
There are a number of potential causes of excessive bruising, some benign and some less so. Aging is one of the most common causes, as are some medications and dietary supplements. People who suddenly experience more bruising than usual for no obvious cause should see a doctor, especially if they’re accompanied by fatigue, rashes, and other medical symptoms. A general practitioner can evaluate a patient to learn more about the nature of the bruise and provide a referral to a specialist if needed.
Women are more likely to bruise than men, and some women may find that excessive bruising is common throughout their lives. Aging can be a cause in everyone, because as people get older, their skin thins, capillaries become more fragile, and the insulating layer of fat disappears. This combination of factors makes it much easier to bruise after injuries, even very light ones. People may notice that light pressure on the skin of older adults can cause bruising bruising due to the underlying fragility.
Another cause may be an autoimmune condition such as allergies or lupus. People with a history of autoimmune problems may want to discuss bruising with their doctor to see if it’s cause for concern, especially if it’s getting worse. Medications such as steroids, blood thinners, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are also linked to this problem, especially if people take them long-term. Dietary supplements such as ginkgo biloba can also cause bruising.
Blood disorders are another cause. People with bleeding disorders, as well as people who carry the genes for bleeding disorders, can develop excessive bruising, and in some cases, the bruising can be dangerous. Leukemia is another potential reason someone bruises excessively, and in fact, bruising can be an early warning sign for a leukemia patient, along with excessive tiredness.
If people notice that they bruise more than normal and don’t know any medical reasons for the bruising, they should see a doctor. Bruising can be a sign of an underlying medical problem that needs attention, and the sooner it’s addressed, the better the outcome is usually possible. People should also be aware that bruising is sometimes a sign of internal bleeding. If bruising develops in areas such as the abdomen after sustaining physical trauma, a patient may want to seek medical attention quickly for potential internal bleeding.
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