Why Do You Bruise Easily?
By Sara Butler
Almost everyone has woken up to find a bruise on their body that they have no idea how they got. Maybe this happens more to you than you want to admit, but have you ever stopped to wonder why? Bruising is the result of broken blood vessels under the skin that leak and is usually associated with an injury to connective tissue or muscle. The blood pools under your skin and causes discoloration that gradually fades as the blood is absorbed into your body. Here are a few reasons why you may be bruising easily and what you can do to try and stop it.
You’re Really Active
If you work out a lot or play sports, then you’ll almost certainly get knocked around a bit – and that can result in bruises. It’s really not a huge deal unless you don’t want people to see the bruises when you’re at the beach. Minor bruises don’t need treatment. But if you bruise as the result of a hard blow or fall, then try to ice, rest, and elevate the injured area to reduce bruising and swelling.
You’re Getting Older
As you get older, your skin becomes more fragile, losing elastin and collagen that help cushion your blood vessels and protect them from injury. That means even a relatively minor bump that wouldn’t have blemished your skin when younger can leave a big bruise now.
If you injure yourself and you want to avoid bruises, then throw some ice on the area and elevate it just as you would for any other injury. After the first 24 hours, heat might help to make the bruise disappear faster, too.
Your Skin is Damaged
After several years of exposure to the sun, skin becomes damaged. That can lead to a weakening of the blood vessel walls, which contributes to bruising in people who are older and have suffered damage from the sun.
Make sure to wear sunscreen to help protect your skin and try to prevent bruising to your extremities by being careful when you’re out and about not to experience any trauma that can result in bruising.
You’re on Medication
Some medications can cause you to bruise more easily. Steroids, blood thinners, or painkillers can block the normal function of the cells in your blood that help it clot. If you must frequently take these medications and notice frequent bruising, then they may be to blame.
Bruising is a part of life, but it doesn't have to be a mystery. Understand why you bruise so you can avoid it!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Richardson, Tex.