Easy Bruising

Easy bruising could indicate a medical condition that requires treatment. Consult a physician to determine the cause of your easy bruising. First, however, it is important to understand a bit about what the process of bruising in general.

What exactly is a bruise?

A bruise or “contusion” is a normal reaction to injury. It occurs when capillaries are broken causing a leakage of red blood cells into the surrounding tissue called “ecchymosis.” This happens when you receive a trauma to the tissue beneath your skin- blood vessels are literally crushed and spill out into the nearby area. A bruise usually appears as a purplish discoloration beneath the surface of the skin and may sometimes bulge slightly. The more blood that seeps into the surrounding tissue, the larger and darker the bruise.

How can I treat a bruise?

Immediately upon receiving an injury, apply ice wrapped in a towel or a cold pack to the injured area. This will help with the swelling, pain and inflammation. As time passes the bruise will turn a greenish or brownish color as the body heals.

If you bruise easily it may simply imply that your body is especially sensitive to capillary leakage. Other causes of easy bruising may include vitamin deficiency, aging, platelet disorders, kidney disease, leukemia, cirrhosis of the liver, side effects to medication (especially aspirin and warfarin) and Marfan syndrome. Due to these possible causes of easy bruising a doctor should be consulted if you are worried about your condition in order to rule out more serious problems.

Bruising easily is not always the sign of a serious disorder. In fact, it usually just means you are more prone than others to the phenomenon. Sometimes, it suggests a slight abnormality of the blood vessels or a deficiency in blood clotting. Also, if you are fair skinned, bruises tend to be more prominent and even the slightest bruising is visible.

Certain nutritional factors can also increase your tendency to bruise. For instance, excess use of ginkgo biloba, fish oil, garlic, ginger and vitamin E can lead to excess bruising. A deficiency in vitamin K, vitamin C and flavonoids can lead you to bruise easily. Vitamin C helps bruising and flavonoids are usually recommended along with vitamin C, since they increase the effectiveness of the vitamin. Herbs such as arnica, comfrey and sweet clover can also help with bruising.

If you suspect more serious complications behind your tendency to bruise you should definitely consult a doctor without delay. The most likely explanation is simply your body's tendency towards bruising. However, going to a doctor may help set your mind at ease that you do not have a more serious disorder.