Bruising, or ecchymosis, occurs when small blood vessels under the skin break, causing blood to pool beneath the surface.
Here are some key points to know:
🟣 Common Causes of Bruising
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Minor injury/trauma → bumping into something, sports, or falls.
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Aging skin → thinner skin and fragile vessels make bruises more common.
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Medications → blood thinners (like aspirin, warfarin), steroids, or even some supplements (fish oil, ginkgo).
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Vitamin deficiencies → low vitamin C or K can increase bruising.
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Blood disorders → like hemophilia, thrombocytopenia, or leukemia (rare, but important to rule out).
🔎 When Bruising Might Be a Warning Sign
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Frequent, large, or unexplained bruises.
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Bruises in unusual places (like the back, abdomen, or without any injury).
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Bruising along with nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or prolonged bleeding from cuts.
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Bruises that don’t heal or keep coming back in the same spot.
✅ What Helps
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Apply a cold compress right after injury to reduce bleeding under the skin.
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Elevate the area if possible.
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After 48 hours, warm compresses can help improve circulation and healing.
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Eating foods rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and iron supports healthy blood vessels.
⚠️ If bruising is frequent, severe, or unexplained, it’s best to get checked by a doctor, since it could signal an underlying issue.
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