Definition
Bruising easily
means that the small blood vessels (capillaries) beneath the skin break easily
and frequently. They then leak blood into the surrounding tissue and create discolorations.
Alternative Names
Easy bruising,
or increased tendency to bruise.
Overview
Most of us get
bruises from bumping into something from time to time. Bruising sometimes
increases with age. This is especially true in women as the capillary walls
become more fragile and the skin becomes thin. Medications that may increase a
personâs tendency to bleed include:
aspirinwarfarinsteroidsclopidogrelother medications used to
prevent clotting (blood thinners)
The occasional
bruise typically doesnât cause much medical concern. If youâre bruising easily,
with large bruises or bleeding elsewhere it could be a sign of a serious
medical condition that warrants attention.
Itâs important
to be aware that unexplained bruising may be a sign of domestic violence or
abuse. Your doctors are required by law to ask you questions to make sure you
are safe in your domestic situation.
Associated Diagnoses
Other diagnoses or associated conditions that can cause easy
bruising include:
acquired platelet
function disorderbrittle bone diseaseceliac diseaseChristmas diseasechronic kidney
failureCushings syndromeend stage kidney
diseasefactor II deficiencyfactor V deficiencyfactor VII deficiencyfactor X deficiencygerman measlesglomerulonephritishairy cell leukemialeukemiahemophila Alow platelet countmedullary cystic
diseaseparoxysmal nocturnal
hemoglobinuriaVon Willebrand
disease
Diagnosis and Treatment
Blood tests will
probably be done to measure the level of platelets and the time it takes your
blood to coagulate (clot). If there is swelling and pain with bruising, the
first line of treatment is to apply a cold compress. If an extremity is
involved, elevate the arm or leg and apply a cold compress for 20 minutes until
the swelling is reduced. After the swelling is reduced, you may apply a warm
compress to help reabsorb the blood.
When To Call Your Doctor
Call your doctor
if youâre bruising more frequently than usual and if bruising is accompanied by
bleeding from anywhere else, such as in the urine.
Source: http://www.healthline.com