Easy bruising is common with age. Although most bruises are harmless and go away without treatment, easy bruising can sometimes be a sign of a more serious problem. Most bruises form when small blood vessels capillaries near the skin's surface are broken by the impact of a blow or injury — often on the arms or legs. When this happens, blood leaks out of the vessels and initially appears as a black-and-blue mark. Eventually your body reabsorbs the blood, and the mark disappears.
Generally, harder blows cause larger bruises. However, if you bruise easily, a minor bump — one you might not even notice — can result in a substantial bruise.
Some people — especially women — are more prone to bruising than others. As you get older, your skin also becomes thinner and loses some of the protective fatty layer that helps cushion your blood vessels from injury.
Aspirin, anticoagulant medications and anti-platelet agents reduce your blood's ability to clot. Antibiotics might also be associated with clotting problems. As a result, bleeding from capillary damage might take longer than usual to stop — which allows enough blood to leak out to cause a bigger bruise. Topical and systemic corticosteroids — which can be used to treat various conditions, including allergies, asthma and eczema — cause your skin to thin, making it easier to bruise.
Certain dietary supplements, such as ginkgo, also can increase your bruising risk due to a blood-thinning effect. If you experience increased bruising, don't stop taking your medications. Talk to your doctor about your concerns. Also, make sure your doctor is aware of any supplements you're taking — especially if you're taking them while on a blood-thinning drug. Your doctor might recommend avoiding certain over-the-counter medications or supplements.
Easy bruising sometimes indicates a serious underlying condition, such as a blood-clotting problem or a blood disease.
See your doctor if you:. If you are one of the many people who bruise easily, then you might have wondered why it happens.
There are many reasons why some people are more prone to severe or long-lasting bruising, including: Excessive straining - when we put out bodies under strain, through exercise or excessive lifting and moving, blood vessels may burst and create bruising. Sun damage - extended exposure to the sun can burn your skin, which causes it to lose resilience. This means that any knocks and bangs are more likely to lead to bruising. Medications to be mindful of are aspirin, prednisone and prednisolone.
When it comes to treating a bruise, it helps to remember R. One of the best ways to avoid bruises completely is to make sure our capillaries are strong and flexible.
A balanced diet, with plenty of bioflavonoids is your best bet. Good sources of bioflavonoids include dark, leafy greens, garlic, onions, and dark-coloured berries.
It can also interact with many medications. Avoid taking oral quercetin supplements unless directed by a healthcare professional. The body needs vitamin K to help the blood clot when necessary. But a pill may not be the best solution, especially for those taking blood thinners or other medications. Topical vitamin K, however, shows some promise as a remedy for bruises and is generally safe for most people to use.
A study in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology found that people who applied a vitamin K gel after having a cosmetic procedure had less bruising than those who used a placebo.
Many different vitamin K products are available over-the-counter. A person should look for one that lists vitamin K near the beginning of its ingredients, and apply it as often as directed. Vitamin K cream is available for purchase online.
Many people who have had surgery or have sprains or strains employ this tactic to aid recovery, but it has benefits for bruising as well. These actions aim to temporarily reduce blood flow to the injured area, which can help prevent some swelling and bruising.
Elevating and resting the area, as well as applying ice for up to 20 minutes per hour and using a light compression bandage, can help decrease the blood flow and inflammation that contribute to bruising. Following R. Eating a healthful, balanced diet that includes the following foods may help prevent or heal bruises:. Frankincense essential oil may help with pain relief and relaxation.
It works well when a few drops are added to a Vitamin K or arnica product. A person can create a soothing cold compress for injuries with a cool washcloth and a few drops of rosemary and lavender essential oils applied to the cloth. It is important to dilute oils with a carrier oil or a lotion before putting directly on the skin unless directed otherwise.
Using essential oils without diluting them can cause skin irritation. Essential oils are available for purchase online, including frankincense , rosemary , and l avender. Although bruises happen to everyone, some bruising may be a red flag for an underlying medical problem or nutritional deficiency.
Putting ice on a fresh bruise can prevent severe discoloration. You can also apply ice to already formed bruises in minute on, minute off increments to help speed up the healing process. This is particularly true when it comes to bruises. If you bang your knee in the middle of a workout, get off your feet and rest. This will slow down blood flow to your bruise, making it less prevalent than it would be if you continue your workout.
Instead, give yourself time for the pain and swelling to subside and apply ice immediately and as needed. Once the bruise has already formed, you can apply heat to help clear up the trapped blood under your skin. Applying heat will also boost circulation and increase blood flow. Use a heating pad, a hot water bottle, or soak in a warm bath.
This will also help loosen tight muscles and relieve any pain associated with your injury. Elevate the bruised injury above the level of your heart. Thanks to gravity, this helps relieve pain and drain fluid away from the bruise. Elevation reduces pressure and compression. It also increases blood flow back to your heart and away from your injury. If possible, wrap the bruised area with an elastic bandage.
This will squeeze the tissues around your injury, preventing the blood vessels from leaking any more. When your injury occurs, adding compression can lessen the severity of your bruise, reduce pain, and alleviate inflammation.
The same is true when it comes to healing injuries and bruises. While bruises are common and not usually a cause for concern, there are some cases where you should see a doctor or visit an urgent care nearby.
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