However, bruises arent typically something to worry about, and they tend to heal on their own in a few days or weeks. 2006 Oct; 65(10): 13411345. Liver disease may also make legs swell and cause intestinal bleeding.18. Read on to learn more about unexplained bruising, what causes it, and when to seek medical attention. For example, a person should see a doctor if: Occasional bruising is rarely a cause for concern. Peripheral vascular disease. But what does unexplained bruising mean? Other symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer are painful breasts that suddenly swell, itching, and nipple changes or discharge.21, Another type of cancer that can cause easy bruising is leukemia. Random or unexplained bruising on legs can happen for a number of reasons. Healthy and Natural World is supported by its audience. Bleeding under the skin may also present as pinprick-sized red or purple dots that resemble a rash. For potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service. Random bruising: Is it serious? Causes, treatment, and prevention a rash that looks like small bruises or reddish-purple spots (this may be less obvious on brown or black skin) joint pain; tummy (abdominal) pain; diarrhoea; being sick; blood in urine or poo; Henoch-Schnlein purpura is not usually serious and often gets better without treatment. Some people also bruise more easily than others and a seemingly insignificant knock may leave a black and blue dark patch on their skin. 4.9k views Answered >2 years ago. Unexplained Bruising: 11 Causes, Diabetes Connection & Life-Cycle of a The red coloring is due to the fresh blood near the surface of the skin. I have already mentioned these natural treatments for bruises that are backed by scientific evidence. See a doctor if you suspect your symptoms are a result of von Willebrand disease. (2018). This damage causes the blood vessels to leak blood, leading to discoloration of the skin. (2017). The following are some possible causes of random bruising. When you strain a muscle, you injure muscle tissue deep under the skin. Signs and Symptoms of Abnormal Bruising in Children, The 9 Best Vitamins and Supplements for Skin Health. Some autoimmune diseases that cause unexplained random bruising are: There are some serious advanced medical conditions that can also cause unexplained bruising on your body. Random bruising on your legs (as well as on other body parts) can cause unsightly skin discoloration as a result of a mild trauma or injury. Easy bruising. Dyer JM, Miller RA. Von Willebrand disease. Oftentimes, you can reduce your risk for future bruising by making sure youre getting the right nutrients in your diet. 2018;11(1):13-18. (2017). WebMD. If you are in pain because of the bruise, you can apply a cold compress to the area to slow down blood flow. Vasculitis is an autoimmune disease that causes the inflammation of the blood vessels themselves. Find out more about Henoch-Schnlein purpura. Vitamin C supplements are also used to help reduce random bruising in patients suffering from skin diseases that cause bruising.5, According to MedlinePlus, vitamin K plays a major role in blood clotting. Venosa, A., Unexplained Bruising Have You Feeling Blue? Mayo Clinic Staff. Unexplained bruising Swelling in the abdomen Spider-like red spots on your skin Enlarged breasts Fatigue Confusion Yellowing of skin and eyes Vomiting blood Dark stools Your liver has many functions, including helping in digestion, removing waste from the body, and producing certain proteins. So, if the bruise is still there well after four weeks, its recommended that you seek medical attention. However, unexplained bruising by itself isnt the only symptom of a bleeding disorder. Can poor sleep impact your weight loss goals? Health A-Z NHS services Live Well Mental health Care and support Pregnancy . Why do I bruise more easily as I age? This article will expand on factors in and causes of random bruising and accompanying symptoms. Eden, R. E., & Coviello, J. M. (2020). However, medicine isn't always the answer painkillers or sedatives, for example,may lead to dependence. If it doesn't resolve on it's own, see your family doctor. unexplained weight loss yellow skin and eyes (jaundice) dark urine abdominal pain and swelling nausea vomiting fatigue Medications, including chemotherapy and antibiotics, may also cause both. Cushing syndrome causes the skin to thin, resulting in easy bruising. Bruises naturally change color over time from red, through purple, to yellow or, Bruises happen when an injury causes damage to blood vessels below the skin. Fraser IM, et al. The GP should also investigate whether you might have an associated problem, such asdepression or anxiety. What's causing me to bruise so easily and what I do to prevent it? Whenever this blood gets trapped under the surface of the skin, it will form a bruise. If your symptoms seem to be caused by a problem with the nervous system, you may be referred to a neurologist (a specialist in disorders of the nervous system). But what about more subtle symptoms? Ann Rheum Dis. Random Bruising: 13 Possible Causes Excluding Obvious Injury - Healthline Internal Bleeding: Signs, Symptoms, and Complications - Verywell Health Harvard Health Publishing Harvard Medical School. MedicineNet. They can advise you on any next steps. I have a bruise on the bottom left side of my stomach. Random bruising may happen without a clear cause or injury. These spots, called purpura, are common in older adults but may be a sign of inflamed blood vessels in younger people. Regular exercisewill help keep you fit andmany people find that it also boosts their mood(read about exercise for depression). One cause of random bruising on legs or bruises that appear after a minor injury is a vitamin deficiency. Sporadic bruising usually isnt cause for worry. Vitamin C and K deficiencies can also be responsible for petechial rash or purpura which look like flat tiny red, brown, or purple spots on the skin (petechiae) or larger ones (purpura). You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. In many cases, random bruising doesnt require any treatment at all and will heal on its own. Last medically reviewed on June 28, 2020, A bruise usually results from a blow to the body. Doctors will check a woman's platelet levels throughout a pregnancy term, but bruising could be a symptom of gestational thrombocytopenia, which leads to a low platelet . Yourbody has a remarkable ability to recover and there's a good chance that your symptoms will improve in time, even without any specific treatment. Bruising is the most common injury sustained by children who have been subject to physical abuse. A lack of vitamin C allows weakens the blood vessels and causes the body to bruise easier. However, if a person experiences other symptoms alongside random bruising, further investigation may be necessary. It means not enough normal blood cells are produced, which can cause anaemia, infections and bruising or bleeding. Without treatment, these may increase in size, join together, and form larger bruises. But, the simpler explanations may surprise you. Doctors from the Mayo Clinic explain that aging causes the protective fatty layer in the skin to become thinner. My husband woke up this morning with a bruise on the lower left of his stomach he did not hit anything what could be the cause. However, taking anticoagulants and antibiotics that interfere with vitamin K production may cause deficiencies. Bruises, Cleveland Clinic; https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/bruises, last accessed August 28, 2017. In this article, you will find out what could be causing random bruising on your legs and other body parts, and in some cases, how to get rid of the bruise quickly. Bruises. In some cases, random bruising may be associated with one of the following less common causes. Vitamin K cream or ointment may also be able to help in healing a bruise quicker. Its good to remember that in most cases the cause of unexplained bruising is nothing to worry about. When a person bruises easily, this can lead to random and unexplained bruises from everyday activities that would typically not cause bruising. There is a connection between diabetes and unexplained bruising. A 15-year-old boy with anemia and leg bruising. This can result in random bruising or larger bruises from trauma to the skin.3. As noted in the previous section, the fatty layer of your skin begins to disappear as you get older, giving the blood cells underneath it less protection from various physical causes of bruising. These types of exercises can, at times, cause tears in the blood cells under the skin and lead to bruising. Thrombocytopenia. These conditions require proper diagnosis and treatment. This can help reduce the swelling as well as the coloring of the bruise. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease where the bodys immune system attacks its own tissues and organs. Alcohol-related liver disease - Symptoms - NHS See a doctor or other healthcare provider right away if you experience any of the following: Last medically reviewed on November 9, 2018. Learn about how to get. Here's what might be causing them and how theyre treated. In many cases, unexplained or random bruises arent a cause for concern and will likely disappear on their own in a couple of weeks. Erickson, F. (2014). 5. Easy bruising and bleeding. Is my bruising normal? After 24 hours have passed, try using a heat pack to get the circulation flowing and relax the muscle area around the bruise. Vitamin deficiencies of various sorts can lead to unexplained bruises. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. (2009). Bruising: Spontaneous signs of bruising (ecchymoses) can occur after taking aspirin or Aleve (naproxen) or with certain blood or liver disorders. MayoClinic. While not everyone will experience bruising after a bug bite, it is entirely possible that you develop a small contusion if you get bitten by an insect. Swelling or a raised bump on your skin (hematoma). Dr. Dennis Lee on MedicineNet says that along with random bruises, liver disease can turn the skin yellow and cause all over body itching. Benabio J. Random bruising caused by diabetes occurs when the condition affects the blood vessels and causes peripheral vascular disease. There are some hereditary conditions and bleeding disorders that can cause issues with bruising. Unexplained Bruising on Your Body: Causes and Treatments was last modified: July 17th, 2019 by Jenny Hills, Nutritionist and Medical Writer. They can make a diagnosis, if needed, and advise you on next steps. Be aware that certain clotting disorders may be a factor. Chronic kidney disease. Bruises look like big purple spots with clear edges, and you're younger than 65. You might have many of these remediessuch as tea bags and aloe vera right at your fingertips. People who have this condition have joints that move far beyond the typical range of motion and stretchy skin. However, not all bruising has a simple explanation. Let's look at symptoms and treatments. Thats because your body needs iron to keep your blood cells healthy. 6 signs unexplained bruising may be worrisome - Shine365 Some studies suggest that certain dietary supplements such as fish oil, garlic, and ginseng may also be factors in bleeding and bruising. It is known for being able to keep blood inside a blood vessel, even after an injury has occurred. Without enough vitamin C in the body, random bruising can occur. Sometimes, bruising without an injury could be a sign of a serious underlying medical condition like diabetes, a blood clotting disorder, or an autoimmune disease. Vitamin C: Vitamin C is important for many reasons, one being wound healing. 2017;22(7):365-366. doi:10.1093/pch/pxx139, Wolpert K, Szadkowski M, Miescier M, Hewes HA. Finally, the hemoglobin will break down and release a chemical called bilirubin, which will cause the bruise to turn yellow. Von Willebrand disease is a bleeding disorder similar to hemophilia as it also causes the body to be unable to make one of the proteins that are a key part of the blood-clotting process. ? Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. Someone with von Willebrand disease might notice large or lumpy bruises from minor, even unnoticeable, injuries. Chest pain, sudden loss of vision or speech, and severe stomach pain need immediate medical attention. Discuss with your doctor, you need some blood test Spontaneous signs of bruising(ecchymoses) can occur after taking aspirin or Aleve (naproxen) or with certain blood or liver disorders. These bruises end up being a flat, purple-colored bruise. Bruises typically turn yellow or green roughly five to 10 days after your injury and do so because the body produces specific compounds to break down the blood that has gathered in the area. Specific medications include: Blood thinners are given to people who have issues with blood clotting. Diabetes can cause peripheral vascular disease. This is due to weakening blood vessels that are more prone to breakage even with slight injury to the area. Without enough platelets, your blood clots more slowly than normal. Von Willebrand disease is a genetic disorder that affects your bloods ability to clot. If it persists, see your doctor! Easy bruising after minimal or no trauma is thought to occur due to platelet dysfunction and capillary fragility. Random bruising could be a sign of a health issue that should be checked out. She has been educated in both psychology and journalism, and her dual education has given her the research and writing skills needed to deliver sound and engaging content in the health space. For example, cirrhosis is the result of continuous long-term damage, and bruising easily is a symptom. I have a bruise on the lower left side of my stomach near my belly button. The RICE method for getting rid of a bruise is:11. We avoid using tertiary references. Vitamin K is one of the nutrients that help blood to clot. This may result in blood leaking from vessels and accumulating under the skin. Read More Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Skin manifestations of Cushing's syndrome. However, the report recommends that any unexplained bruising on an older person be investigated to rule out the possibly of abuse. If you are able to, you can also keep the bruise elevated above the heart to prevent further blood pooling. While kidney disease can cause changes in the blood cells that can cause easy bruising, many of the other medical issues, medications, and treatments that you have to take for the disease can also cause issues with the blood and bruising. If you think you have an underlying condition that's been missed by your doctor, you can ask for a second opinion. Ginger should also be used with care if you take medication to thin the blood. Achilles Tendon Rupture: Symptoms to Look For, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, Ruptured Spleen: Symptoms and Treatment in Adults and Children, Drug-Related Bicycle Accidents Drawing Concerns, a crawling or tingling feeling in your legs, cravings to eat things that are not food, such as ice, dirt, or clay, excessive bleeding from punctures or wounds, tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands or feet, severe bleeding after injuries, dental work, or surgeries, nosebleeds that last longer than 10 minutes, a cough, difficulty swallowing, or breathlessness (if the lymphoma is in the chest area), indigestion, stomach pain, or weight loss (if the lymphoma is in the stomach or bowel), excessive bleeding after injury, surgery, or childbirth, purple stretch marks on the breasts, arms, abdomen, and thighs, fatty tissue deposits in the face and upper back, a bruise that increases in size over time, a bruise that doesnt change within two weeks, severe night sweats (that soak through your clothes), unusually heavy periods or large blood clots in menstrual flow. Diseases like cancer and diabetes, as well as other medical conditions, become more prevalent as we get older. Viral infections can also cause random bruising on legs that is unexplained. You have systemic symptoms such as fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes or unintentional weight loss along with unexplained bruising. Maybe more thatn the flu. It is impossible to completely prevent bruising. (2009). It can cause excessive bleeding which leads to easy bruising. Why do women bruise more easily than men? HealthTap uses cookies to enhance your site experience and for analytics and advertising purposes. Dr. John Cunha on eMedicineHealth explains that discoloration on the skin is caused by tiny blood vessels breaking under the skin. This may help speed the healing process because it lowers inflammation and prevents more blood from pooling in the area. Pediatr Emerg Care. A blunt trauma injury can cause your spleen to rupture. People who have hemophilia A are missing an important clotting factor, factor VIII, resulting in excessive bleeding and bruising. Doctors will check a womans platelet levels throughout a pregnancy term, but bruising could be a symptom of gestational thrombocytopenia, which leads to a low platelet count. WebMD. Once that fatty layer has thinned, the sun can directly damage blood cells, causing bruising on the skin. Native to Europe and Asia, comfrey is a type of shrub that contains allantoin, a chemical that helps skin cells grow and can help speed up the healing process. This is a type of cancer that affects your blood as well as your bone marrow. Allow the mixture to simmer for approximately 30 minutes. Blood clot or bruise: Differences, symptoms, and contacting a doctor People with immune thrombocytopenia have a low platelet count, and bruising can also appear for no reason. Understanding Bone Bruise or Marrow Edema. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Intensive exercising can cause unexplained bruises in the parts of your body under stress. There are several nutrient deficiencies associated with easy or random bruising, including: Although vitamin deficiencies can lead to random bruising across the entire body, one case report found the bruising to be localized to the legs. Internal Bruising: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment - Healthline Some of the warning signs that a person needs medical attention include bruising that: causes an arm or leg to become numb causes loss of function of a joint, limb or muscle keeps growing in size. 2-3 weeks apart. Usually it is from unnoticed trauma or accidents. According to the NHS website and WebMD, you should see your doctor if you have unexplained bruising along with any of the following symptoms:23, 24. The colour of the bumps and patches usually changes and fades, like a bruise. Bruising: How should I investigate a person with bruising? Kawasaki disease The National Cancer Institute says that chemotherapy can cause random bruising, as well as tiny purple or red spots on your skin.20, An unexplained bruise on your breast that doesnt go away could be a sign of inflammatory breast cancer. Bruise symptoms and signs. Pour the contents into a sealable jar. Sunburn can take a long time to heal and its effects can be long-lasting. Experiencing random bruising can be alarming, but it doesnt always warrant a visit to your doctor. Gardner-Diamond syndrome is a condition wherein painful and unexpected bruising occurs, mainly on the arms, legs, or face. Tannins can help contract the blood vessels which in turn can help heal a bruise quicker. Some medications can lead to easy or random bruising because of how they affect the body. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Thrombocytopenia is a condition that affects blood clotting and can be caused by chickenpox, rubella, and mumps. Medications that are used for rheumatoid arthritis can often lead to unexplained bruises. This condition occurs when your body makes too much or too little clotting chemicals. Vasculitis - NHS Can diet help improve depression symptoms? I have a small bruising on my stomach with a small lump under it. Educational text answers on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription. Bruises that are caused by underlying health conditions are addressed by treating the specific condition or disease. Blood platelets are specific cells that exist within the blood. Noble, J. M., & Patterson, M. C. (2020). The presentation of a fussy infant with bruising: late-onset vitamin K deficiency bleeding. Chronic skin fragility of aging: current concepts in the pathogenesis, recognition, and management of dermatoporosis. They can vary in color, and skin color may affect the appearance of a bruise. At Healthy and Natural World, our mission is to empower people to take control of their own health by providing comprehensive, practical and well researched information. Bruise colors: Causes, timescale, and when to see a doctor Side effects: Anticoagulant medicines. 7 signs and symptoms not to ignore. The bruise is caused when blood cells are damaged, and blood leaks into the top layers of the skin. (2011). Unexplained leg bruising can be due to liver disease, nutritional deficiencies, autoimmune conditions, and other disorders. Learn more about these serious fractures, how theyre treated, and what to expect. (2016). I've noticed 3 bruises on my stomach for no apparent reason approx. Has an estimated prevalence of 1 in 15,000-20,000 and is generally inherited as an autosomal dominant condition. This can help speed up the healing process. However, there are early warning signs of diabetes that can indicate you are at risk for developing the disease. Bruising for no reason can be explained and treated. The American Cancer Society says that leukemia can cause a number of symptoms including weight loss, constant tiredness, recurrent infections, and unexplained bleeding.22. Although your stomach and back can be. Thrombophilia typically has no symptoms until a blood clot develops. (n.d.). Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology reported that ascorbic acid (vitamin C) helps to strengthen blood vessels and prevent them breaking. People can prevent vitamin deficiencies by making dietary changes and taking supplements. Certain medications and supplements can cause the blood to thin and result in random bruising on the body. The bruise doesnt heal within two weeks. Its very rare to have spontaneous bruising without any reason. The syndrome causes easy bruising because it can lead to thinning skin. There may be a blood clotting issue or another underlying condition that needs treatment. They are sometimes known as"medically unexplained symptoms" when they last for more than a few weeks, but doctors can't finda problem with the bodythat may be the cause. Using intervals of ice and heat can help ease the pain of a bruise and get the healing process started. For the most part, a bruise will heal on its own within two to four weeks. Pain management medicines such as ibuprofen or naproxen, Radiation therapy of the bone marrow or pelvis, You dont know where the bruises are coming from and they occur regularly. Widespread bruising or petechial rash would be concernin Dr. John Munshower and another doctor agree. Also, UV rays can contribute to the dermatoporosis effect in the skin. As a result, hemophilia sufferers bleed longer and bruise easier. Tea bags, specifically black tea bags, can help heal a bruise faster. People who are prone to bruising may not remember a minor trauma and assume that the bruise has appeared out of nowhere. Bruises often change colors as they heal. Bruises range in size, shape and color depending on the type of bruise, cause and location. Another method of treating an unexpected bruise is using essential oils. If NHL spreads to the bone marrow, it can reduce the number of blood cells in your body. Sjukratilfelli og sjukdomseinkenni [Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type IV. Anticoagulants (blood thinners) and over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications like aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil), and naproxen (Aleve) affect your bloods ability to clot. The area tends to be swollen and painful. They usually heal without treatment, but home remedies for bruises may be, Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. Type 1 diabetes: symptoms. Add the beeswax to the mixture and stir over low heat until the beeswax melts. What Is the Treatment for Random Bruising? After a few hours, the blood loses oxygen, and the bruise turns bluish in color. Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and targeted therapy, may also lead to bruising. That being said, you should see your doctor if: Its difficult to avoid bruising completely, especially when the cause is unknown. For example, being in the sun too long, aging, or a vitamin deficiency can weaken small blood vessels near the skins surface. Bruising or bleeding that is unexplained Lumps or swellings Shortness of breath (breathlessness) Drenching night sweats Infections that are persistent, recurrent or severe Fever (38C or above) that is unexplained Rash or itchy skin that is unexplained Pain in your bones, joints or abdomen (stomach area) WebMD. Along with the discoloration associated with a bruise, hematomas can also cause the area to feel hard or firm to the touch. Bleeding and bruising (thrombocytopenia) and cancer treatment. Unexplained stomach bruising | HealthTap Online Doctor Vitamin C: Fact sheet for consumers. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a group of inherited conditions that affect the connective tissues. Bruises and blood spots under the skin. You notice bruises on your legs or other areas of your body for no apparent reason. Several medicines are also associated with spontaneo Dr. Gurmukh Singh and another doctor agree. Keeping an eye out for other unusual symptoms may help you determine if theres an underlying cause. The bumps usually heal on their own within 3 to 8 weeks without leaving a scar. These compounds are known as biliverdin and bilirubin and are actually pigments that occur naturally when they break down blood. A ruptured spleen can be a life threatening condition and requires immediate attention. Bruises, eMedicine Health; http://www.emedicinehealth.com/bruises/article_em.htm, last accessed August 28, 2017. (2018). This can damage blood vessels and causes blood to pool below the surface of the skin, leaving behind black, blue, purple, brown, green, or yellow marks. Bruising (Hematoma), Chemocare; http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/side-effects/bruising.aspx, last accessed August 28, 2017. This is called dermatoporosis. 1999 Aug;41(2 Pt 1):207-8. If diabetes has already been diagnosed, your bruising may simply be a result of slow wound healing. what is this and the cause ? Bruises on stomach for no reason | HealthTap Online Doctor In rare cases, one of the following conditions may cause random bruising. Experts say prevention programs are needed. A bone bruise is a type of bruise that occurs when blood and fluid build up inside and around an injured bone. Cardiovascular health: Insomnia linked to greater risk of heart attack. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Sign Up for the Latest Health News and Tips, Home General Health Unexplained Bruising: Causes, Diabetes Connection & the Life-Cycle of a Bruise. Rochelle Collins, DO, is board-certified in family medicine. Page last reviewed: 12 July 2021 Other common symptoms of a bleeding disorder include: Sepsis is an infection that causes a buildup of toxins in the blood or tissues.
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