What Causes Unexplained Bruises?

Where did that bruise come from? If you find multiple bruises on your body, but don’t recall bumping into anything, you may naturally become concerned. Here, we’ll discuss what the cause of your bruising might be, so that you can get the right type of care at our Cincinnati vein treatment clinic.

What is a Bruise?

A bruise forms after trauma, sometimes after just a minor bump, when blood vessels break and leak blood under the skin. A good example of very minor injury is our minimally invasive laser vein treatment. We must irritate and collapse the veins in order to make them disappear, and this may cause vein bruising in some individuals. (The final results of our vascular treatments are typically excellent, however–as you can see from our Before & After photo gallery.) The pooled blood that makes up the bruise changes color and fades away gradually as the body reabsorbs it. If the bruise has a lumpy feel, it may be a hematoma (blood clot beneath the skin), which is generally not serious (in contrast to a blood clot within a vein). If you ever experience a hematoma or excessive bruising that’s out of the ordinary for you, call or visit your vein doctor for an exam. 

If You Bruise Easily, This May be the Reason

• Age: With increasing age, skin thins and loses elasticity due to the disappearance of the youthful fat cushion underneath and lower collagen production.
• Sun Exposure: Over time, UV rays from the sun damage your skin. Sun damage, wrinkles and bruising are all especially noticeable if you have lighter skin and if you’ve gone into the sun often without protection, such as sun block and clothing.
• Genetic Predisposition: If family members tend to bruise easily, you may have inherited this issue.
• Aspirin: Certain prescription and non-prescription medications increase the chance of bruising, especially blood thinners. 
• Possible Abuse: If a friend suddenly has unexplained bruising, s/he may be suffering domestic abuse. If you learn that abuse is occurring, you should inform proper authorities.
• Vitamin Deficiency: Vitamins B12, K and C may be needed to strengthen skin and increase clotting/blood platelet production.
• Varicose or Spider Veins: These veins can easily leak beneath the skin, causing a bruise.
• Thrombocytopenia: Low blood platelet count. Platelets help the blood clot properly to avoid excessive bleeding and can be lacking in cancers like leukemia, for example. Cancer treatment may also lower platelet count.

Get Expert Vein Treatment in Cincinnati

If you’re concerned about excessive bruising or mysteriously unexplained bruises, we can help. If you’ve noticed more bruising lately, it does not necessarily mean that you’ve got a serious health issue. To learn the possible cause of any unexplained bruising, turn to our expert Crestview Hills vein clinic for a painless, expert diagnosis and comprehensive vascular care. Contact Vascular and Interventional Associates today.