Do You Bruise Easily? 5 Reasons Why

You’re stepping into the shower when you notice a shiny new bruise. You don’t remember bumping into anything, but the evidence is right there in black and blue.

It can be unsettling to find a bruise you can’t explain, or to see an angry welt appear from something as minor as brushing against a doorway.

You might wonder if something is wrong with you. And you can feel vulnerable or self-conscious about the marks that everyday bumps can leave on your body.

We talked with hematologist Dana Angelini, MD, about why some people bruise more easily and when to talk to a doctor.

Why you might bruise easily

Bruising happens when small blood vessels break and leak blood under your skin. Usually, you’ll see them following a fall or a trauma.

“It’s common to bump into things, not remember, and see small bruises on your legs or arms,” Dr. Angelini says. “But frequent or unprovoked bruising on your torso, back or face is unusual.”

Bruises usually start off red or purple. As they heal, they may turn brown, green or yellow. The area often is swollen, tender or painful.

Everyone gets bruises from time to time. But bruising easily may signal an underlying issue. Dr. Angelini shares some of the most common reasons.

Medications and supplements

Taking certain medications and supplements can make you more likely to bruise.

“Even over-the-counter medications and supplements can inhibit normal platelet function and cause bruising,” Dr. Angelini explains.

Platelets are the components in your blood that help it clot, which keeps you from bleeding too much after an injury. When they’re not working effectively, it can cause excessive bleeding and bruising.

Always talk with a healthcare provider about the medications and supplements you take. They can affect how your blood clots, interfere with other medications and have other unintended effects.

Common medications associated with easy bruising include:

• Aspirin and NSAIDs (like ibuprofen or naproxen) can thin your blood by blocking certain enzymes involved in clotting. This can slow down your body’s ability to stop bleeding under the skin.
• Prescription blood thinners like clopidogrel (Plavix®), warfarin (Coumadin®), apixaban (Eliquis®) or rivaroxaban (Xarelto®) are designed to prevent dangerous blood clots — but they also make it easier for small blood vessels to bleed when injured.
• Certain antidepressants, particularly SSRIs, may affect how platelets function. As platelets help your blood clot, they can increase your risk of bruising.
• Supplements like garlic, ginkgo, ginseng and fish oil can have mild blood-thinning effects or interfere with platelets. “People often don’t think of supplements as medications, but they can still impact your body’s clotting system,” Dr. Angelini stresses.

Vitamin deficiency

Not getting enough of certain nutrients in your diet can weaken your blood vessels or impair clotting, making you more likely to bruise. Common vitamin deficiencies that lead to easy bruising include:

• Vitamin C: Helps keep blood vessels strong
• Vitamin K: Supports normal clotting
• Vitamin B12: Aids in healthy blood cell production

If you’re concerned that you may have a vitamin deficiency, talk with a healthcare provider. They can help you get the nutrients your body needs and decide if supplements are necessary and safe for you.

Age

Older adults tend to bruise more easily. That’s because your skin can become thinner as you age. That means less fat beneath your skin to cushion and protect your blood vessels.

Medical conditions

Some underlying medical conditions can impair clotting or platelet function and make you bruise like a peach. They include:

• von Willebrand disease is the most common inherited bleeding disorder. It happens when your blood lacks enough of a protein called von Willebrand factor, which helps platelets stick together and form clots. People with this condition may bruise easily, bleed heavily from small cuts or have frequent nosebleeds.
• Hemophilia is a rare, inherited disorder where the blood lacks certain proteins needed to stop bleeding. Even a small injury can cause prolonged bleeding or deep bruises. Hemophilia mostly affects males and can range from mild to severe.
• Acquired bleeding disorders can make you more likely to bruise, too. These are often associated with certain medications, autoimmune conditions, liver disease or cancer.
• Connective tissue diseases, like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, can also lead to increased bruising.
• Low blood counts from a disease occurring in your bone marrow can lead to increased bleeding and bruising.

Alcohol use

Heavy alcohol use and poor nutrition can both interfere with blood clotting. Alcohol affects liver function and bone marrow function.

When to see a doctor about bruising

Most bruises from minor injuries heal on their own in a week or two. But it’s a good idea to see a healthcare provider if a bruise:

• Doesn’t improve after a week
• Is unusually large or painful
• Keeps showing up in the same spot
• Appears without a clear reason
• Occurs in areas unlikely to be injured (like your back or torso)

If medication is the likely cause, your doctor may explore other options.

“We’ll do a risk-benefit analysis,” Dr. Angelini explains. “If the bruising is severe or interfering with your daily life, we can talk about switching to another medication.”

If the cause remains unclear, a blood test can help identify platelet or clotting issues.

And remember, it’s always OK to ask for help. “We do a lot of consultations for bruising,” she encourages. “When a serious bleeding disorder is ruled out, we’re happy to provide reassurance.”