New Health Guide
Unexplained bruising generally causes alarm and most people want to know the "why" and if a serious problem is responsible. Bruises can appear anywhere on the body and their location can be a clue to the underlying cause. Many minor factors can result in bruising, but knowing when a serious cause is present can be life saving.
Bruises appear as skin discoloration and are blue, black or a combination of the two. Damaged blood vessels from deep within the legs cause blood to rise to the surface and causes unexplained bruising. Bruises generally heal within 2 to 4 weeks. When a bruise is healing, a variety of color changes take place and can produce a spectrum of colors from yellowish green, brown, reddish-blue and the common blue or blue-black appearance.
Seemingly minor injuries can result in bruising and contusions. It may take a few days for the blood to rise to the skin surface and this often causes concern about what was the actual cause. Strenuous physical activity can result in damage to small blood vessels. The blood then leaks out and a bruise forms.
The sun's UV radiation damages skin and blood vessels and results in bruising, particularly in elderly people.
A variety of medications can affect the ability of blood to clot. The function of platelet blood cells is impaired by many anti-inflammatory medications. Aspirin and ibuprofen both affect platelet function. Other medications that cause inflammation in tissues and blood vessels can also result in leakage of blood causing bruising. Examples are birth -control bills and corticosteroids.
Tissues, particularly the connective tissues, weaken with age and even minor insignificant trauma can result in bruises appearing.
Vitamins are cofactors in a variety of body processes and deficiencies in vitamins B12, C, K and folic acid can result in tissue or blood vessel weakness resulting in unexplained bruising on legs.
Body fat is the body's own natural cushioning system. Thin people or people on a quick weight loss plan are more prone to bruises for this reason.
Long-standing diabetes results in vascular disease and can cause easy bruising. Acanthosis nigricans is a dark bruise-like discoloration of the skin over body folds and around the neck. Many feel that the presence of this discoloration is a warning sign of impending diabetes developing.
A variety of blood related diseases and conditions can cause excessive bruising. Examples include sepsis, thrombocytopenia, hemophilia, leukemia, Hodgkin's disease, and platelet dysfunction. Blood cancers can cause either an excess of deficiency of certain blood cells that function poorly and can result in excessive bruising, fatigue, weight loss and weakness. Any suspicion of these types of diseases requires prompt medical attention as they can be deadly.
An overactive thyroid causes global changes in the body's physiology. Persons with Graves' disease will lose weight, develop thin and easily bruised skin and loose hair. Further changes to the small capillary blood vessels in the skin result in easy bruising.
There are not any special medical treatments to heal bruises any faster than supportive home care.
Call the doctor if:
This starts in the home. Keep extension cords away from walkways and secured. Don't place furniture in common walking paths or near doorways. Use protective padding when playing sports or working on your knees. Clean up spills immediately. Keep rugs secure to prevent slipping and falls. Use nightlights to illuminate a path to the bathroom or near stairs.
