The Causes of Easy Bruising

Having easy bruising, or bruising easily, can be a source of frustration, embarrassment, and concern. It can happen to people of all ages, but is especially noticed in the elderly. There are multiple possible causes of easy bruising, and you should speak to your doctor if you’re concerned about your level of bruising.

What is Easy Bruising?

Bruising is the result of small breaks in the blood vessels underneath the surface of the skin. These breaks allow for bleeding into the tissue, resulting in the discoloration we call a bruise. Everyone will get bruises sometimes due to general body movement or even minor trauma, but people who easily bruise may have a bruise that naturally appears without any significant trauma, or their bruise may form more quickly or be larger than expected.

Common Causes of Easy Bruising

Easy bruising, also known as brittle blood vessels, can be caused by common diseases or possibly even your lifestyle, such as medication and diet.

Medication
Some types of blood thinners, antibiotics, arthritis medications, and drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen all can make bruising more likely.

Diet
Vitamin C is essential to make collagen, a protein that helps the walls of your blood vessels stay sturdy. Certain diseases and even age can make it difficult to absorb adequate amounts of vitamin C and other important vitamins and minerals. People who haven’t been eating enough healthy foods may be more likely to bruise easily.

Genetics
Some people have inherited a tendency for weak or fragile blood vessels that often results in easy bruising.

Other health conditions
Conditions such as anemia, arterial diseases, or even some types of cancer can result in easily bruised skin or purple bruising that appears in clusters.

Age
As we age, the walls of our blood vessels become more fragile and lose muscle tone, making us more susceptible to bruises.

Easy bruising isn’t always cause for concern, but it can be a symptom of illness or an underlying condition. Consult with your doctor to rule out more serious causes, and to discuss ways to protect yourself from further bruising. The more you know about your body and how it responds to various medications, activities, and foods, the more confident you’ll feel in maintaining your health as you age.