Why Do I Bruise Easily? 8 Pointers to Look Out For

A bruise is referred to as the discoloration of skin, which results due to the breakage of tiny blood vessels under the skin due to an injury. Blood from damaged blood vessels leaks and collects near the surface of the skin, which appears as a black or a blue mark on the skin, referred to as bruise. People get bruises when they bump into something or accidents, as well as due to medical problems like platelet disorders or leukemia. Unexplained bruising might also indicate child abuse, domestic abuse, internal bleeding or certain types of cancer.

Some other reasons you may bruise easily are as follows:

1. It Could Be Age

As you get older, the skin loses the protective fatty layer that provides cushioning against bumps and falls. Your skin also becomes thinner with the slow production of collagen. This means that you become more prone to bruises as compared to when you were younger.

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2. Blood Disorders

Blood disorders like hemophilia and leukemia can cause bruising since the blood fails to clot properly. If you face severe and frequent unexplained bruising, you must see a physician to rule out such disorders, especially if it seemed to come on suddenly.

^{Photo Credit: Istock}3. Diabetes

People with diabetes may develop dark skin discolorations mostly in areas where the skin touches other skin frequently. These discolorations might be considered bruises but they are actually due to underlying insulin resistance.

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4. Family History

If your close family members tend to bruise easily, chances are you will also get prone to bruising. Fortunately, there are steps which can be taken in order to overcome this genetic tendency.

5. Sun Damage

If you spend a lot of time outdoors in the sun, you are more prone to bruising since over the period of time sun slowly weakens your skin and the tiny blood vessels underneath. Bruises from the sun are a little different and take longer time to heal. They occur on the backs of your hands and arms.

^{Photo Credit: Istock}6. Low Vitamin C

If you don't have enough of vitamin C in your body, you may bruise easily. This nutrient is considered essential for healing. It is rare to have a deficiency of this vitamin but it is more likely to happen when you are older or have the habit of smoking.

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Hard workouts can sometimes lead to bruises. During workouts you tend to push your muscles with so much effort that it leads to tiny tears in your blood vessels. Weight lifting or running a marathon can cause bruising. You can overcome marks by using the RICE method:

• Rest
• Ice the area
• Compression (lightly wrap the muscles)
• Elevation (raise your arms or legs above the heart)

8. Heavy Drinking

If you indulge in heavy drinking frequently you become more prone to bruising. It might indicate the existence of liver problems. The liver makes proteins that the blood needs for clotting. If it discontinues its action, you may bleed or bruise more easily.

^{Photo Credit: Istock}Disclaimer:

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