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Bruising easily: Cause for concern? Easy bruising isn't limited to older adults, but as you age, you may notice an increased tendency to bruise. Despite appearances, easy bruising is generally nothing to worry about. However, it occasionally may be a sign of an underlying health problem that warrants medical care.
How a bruise forms
Generally, the harder the blow, the larger the bruise. However, if you bruise easily, a minor bump — one you may not even notice — can result in substantial discoloration. As you age, it's not uncommon for bruises to appear for no apparent reason. Your arms and legs are typical locations for these bruises.
Why older adults bruise easilySkin tends to thin with age, in part because the layer of fat under your skin thins as you get older. This layer is what protects blood vessels in your skin from injury. Another reason you may bruise more easily is that blood vessels generally become more fragile with age, as the tissue that helps support the vessels weakens. And long-term exposure to the sun can damage your skin in a way similar to aging, also leaving you more susceptible to bruising. Although easy bruising is more common in older adults, some people, particularly women, are lifelong easy bruisers. For no apparent reason, these otherwise healthy people spontaneously develop harmless bruises on their upper arms, thighs and buttocks. Sometimes easy bruising is a side effect of medication. In rare circumstances it can signal a vitamin deficiency or blood-clotting defect.
Sometimes medications are the causeOlder adults tend to take more medications than do younger adults. Certain medications may cause you to bruise easily. For example, aspirin can somewhat interfere with your blood's ability to clot, increasing your risk of bruising. Other medications, such as ibuprofen, can also cause bleeding and bruising. People who are on prolonged steroid therapy for rheumatoid arthritis or asthma also may bruise more easily. Steroids and cortisone drugs also may thin the skin. The benefits of these drugs, however, far outweigh the side effect of easy bruising. So don't discontinue any medication you suspect is causing you to bruise easily unless you first talk to your doctor. Know that certain dietary supplements, including fish oil, vitamin E, garlic, ginger and ginkgo, also may contribute to easy bruising by increasing your risk of bleeding, especially if you're taking a blood thinner. Tell you doctor about any supplements you're taking, particularly if you're also taking a blood thinner.
When to be concernedIn some cases bruising may indicate something more serious, such as a blood-clotting problem or blood-related disease. See your doctor if:
Other serious causes of bruising include domestic violence or abuse. If a loved one has an unexplainable bruise, particularly in an unusual location such as the eye or face, discuss the possibility of abuse.
Preventing and treating bruisesWearing long-sleeved shirts and pants will add a layer of protection to your skin and help minimize your risk of easy bruising. Also protect your skin from sun damage, and try to prevent injuries. For example, by maintaining good lighting in your home, you can help prevent minor bumps that may lead to bruising. Unfortunately you can't do much to treat minor bruises, although a cold compress may help reduce swelling. Once the swelling has lessened, apply a warm compress, which may help the bruise disappear faster. In addition, you may be able to cover up your bruises with makeup. Try foundation or a cover-up stick.
Warning Signs of Mental Illness
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A bruise forms when a blow breaks small blood vessels near the skin's surface, allowing a small amount of blood to leak out under the skin. The trapped blood appears as a black-and-blue mark — a bruise. Sometimes tiny red dots or red splotches appear. Your body reabsorbs the blood with time, which causes the bruise to change color and eventually disappear.
You have unusually large or painful bruises, particularly if your bruises seem to develop for no known reason 