Older adults bruise more easily because their skin is thinner and they tend to have less muscle and fat to cushion their blood vessels from injury.

NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen)īring a list of your medications and how long you’ve been taking them if you plan to see a doctor about bruising.

Some medications and supplements associated with bruising include: Prescription and over-the-counter medications and nutrition supplements can make you bruise more easily. Anyone with a family member who has a bleeding disorder who also bleeds or bruises easily should discuss this with his or her health care provider.” “This may be concerning for a possible underlying bleeding disorder and should be reported. “People who have a history of bleeding more than normal during medical procedures and women who get heavy periods may notice they bruise easily as well,” Jahn said. “After that, a warm compress can help recirculate blood.” Family history, medications may be to blame “If you think a bruise is trauma-related, using an ice pack and elevating the affected area can help to decrease swelling in the first 24 hours,” Jahn said.

They are typically red in color at first, then blue or dark purple and finally, yellow or green after a few days as it is healing. Sometimes only a slight bump results in a nasty bruise. Unexplained bruising usually appears on the arms and lower legs. “The good news is that most bruises aren’t a big deal even if you can’t explain them,” said Shannon Jahn, a Marshfield Clinic Oncology/Hematology Nurse Practitioner. Bruises that are odd looking or in unusual places could be cause for concern.Ī bruise (also called ecchymosis) can bother us for days, either because they’re painful or we don’t know how they got there.

Unexplained bruising usually isn’t something to worry about.

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