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Unexplained bruising on the legs can be caused by thinning skin and weaker blood vessels as people age, but it can also be a sign of a serious condition such as a bleeding disorder, vitamin deficiency, or autoimmune disease. Medications that thin the blood can also increase the likelihood of bruising.
Unexplained bruising on the legs can occur when a person bumps or hits the leg and does not remember hitting it. In some cases, a bump that causes no pain or barely registers with a person can lead to a bruise on the leg. Some people are more prone to bruising as they age, because the skin becomes thinner and blood vessels weaker. However, unexplained bruising can be a sign of something more serious.
Typically, unexplained bruising on the legs, especially the shins, is not a cause for concern. A bruise occurs when capillaries, or blood vessels near the surface of the skin, are damaged. Blood leaks from the vessels, causing discoloration and some tenderness. When the blood returns to the vessels, the bruise heals.
The strength of the capillaries varies from person to person. Some people may need to be hit hard to receive a bruise, while bruises will seem to magically appear on others. Older women are usually more prone to unexplained bruises on their legs than younger women, children, and men.
Many people have a layer of fat between their skin and capillaries. Some people shed this layer, particularly with age, which makes bruising more likely. In addition to aging, excessive sun exposure and some medications can make your skin thinner.
Some medications can thin the blood and increase the chance of bruising. Aspirin, warfarin and clopidogrel are designed to thin the blood or reduce clotting. If a person is on medication, they may bruise more easily, as the blood will not stop flowing very quickly. Fish oil and ginkgo also thin the blood and can lead to unexplained bruising on the legs. Corticosteroids, oral or topical, can thin the skin.
In some cases, unexplained bruising is a sign of a serious condition. It can indicate a bleeding disorder, especially if accompanied by petechiae, or red spots under the skin, bleeding in the mouth, and frequent nosebleeds. A person may have a low platelet count or other platelet disorder or an infection in their blood.
Other causes of unexplained bruises on legs include vitamin deficiency, leukemia, or an autoimmune disease. Bruises caused by an autoimmune disease, such as lupus, are usually raised and firm to the touch. Typically, they appear without any damage to the leg.
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