Ever observe how easy you get bruises? Unsightly black-and-blue marks that can sometimes show up without any prior knowledge of an incident can be more than simply a bother. It’s still not the most pleasing appearance, even though the yellowish colour that develops as the bruise progresses may be a little less startling. Not only may bruises be unsightly, but they can also hurt, particularly if you bump into anything harsh. Even worse, persistent or inexplicable bruises may indicate a more serious issue with your body.
This post will explain the causes of bruising, look at possible causes, and provide advice on how to control or avoid excessive bruising. We’ll also explain how some vitamin deficiencies may be contributing to the way your skin feels like it’s being attacked all the time.
Let’s first quickly review what happens when you get bruises. When blood vessels beneath your skin rupture as a result of stress, such as a bump, fall, or even something as minor as a knock on a door, you get a bruise, also known as a contusion. A bruise is created when these vessels burst, allowing blood to seep out and pool beneath your skin’s surface. It starts off red or purple, but as your body recovers, it takes on other hues.
You may bruise more easily than others for a number of reasons, even though this is a normal process. Blood vessels are increasingly brittle and prone to breaking as we age because our skin naturally becomes thinner and less elastic. Furthermore, as we age, less collagen—the protein that gives your skin its strength and structure—is produced. Because of this, even minor trauma is more likely to cause bruising in older persons.
Lack of certain vitamins is one of the less well-known causes of easy bruising. You may be more prone to bruises if you are deficient in certain vitamins, especially C and K. The production of collagen, which is essential for the health of your blood vessels, is aided by vitamin C. Your blood vessels may weaken if you don’t get enough vitamin C, which increases the risk of them shattering and causing bruises. An extreme example of this is scurvy, a disease brought on by a significant deficiency in vitamin C.
Vitamin K is essential for blood coagulation. Your body may not be able to stop the bleeding as quickly when blood vessels are damaged if you aren’t getting enough vitamin K, which could lead to more obvious bruises.
You may be more susceptible to bruises if you use certain drugs. To avoid blood clots, for instance, doctors frequently give blood thinners like heparin, warfarin, and aspirin. Even a slight accident can result in a severe bruise since these medications can make it more difficult for your blood to clot properly, even though they are vital for those who are at risk of clotting. Oral and topical steroids can also cause skin thinning and make you more prone to bruises over time. Consult your doctor about the possibility of bruises as a side effect if you’re taking medication for an extended period of time.
Frequent bruises might occasionally be an indication of a more serious medical problem. Blood-related conditions including haemophilia, leukaemia, or platelet problems can make it difficult for your blood to clot properly, which can result in bruises. Easy bruising may also result from liver disease’s impact on your body’s clotting factor production.
Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a connective tissue ailment that weakens blood vessels, and autoimmune disorders like lupus or vasculitis, which can cause weak blood vessels or issues with blood coagulation, are additional conditions that can cause bruising.
How readily you bruise might also be influenced by your lifestyle choices. For instance, prolonged exposure to the sun can weaken blood vessels and harm the skin, increasing the likelihood of bruises. You may be more vulnerable to bruises if your diet is poor and deficient in important nutrients like vitamins C and K. Drinking too much alcohol can impair blood coagulation and weaken blood vessels, which makes bruising easier.
Finally, some people are just more likely than others to bruise due to genetic predispositions. You can be at a higher risk of getting bruises yourself if they run in your family. Numerous hereditary variables that affect your skin’s suppleness, blood vessel strength, and general clotting ability may be to blame for this.
There are steps you may do to protect yourself and lessen bruises, even though some circumstances are beyond your control. Consuming a well-balanced diet rich in vitamin K (found in leafy greens like spinach and kale) and vitamin C (found in citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, etc.) can help maintain the health of your skin and blood vessels. Consult your doctor about possible substitutes or extra safety measures if you’re taking any drugs that raise your risk of bruises.
Wearing protective clothes when participating in potentially injury-causing activities (like sports or gardening) is a smart option if you’re prone to bruising. Maintaining the flexibility of your skin through hydration may help lower your chance of getting bruises. Seek for moisturisers that contain ceramides or hyaluronic acid. Cutting back on alcohol will help shield your blood vessels and avoid needless bruises. Additionally, you should consult a doctor to rule out any underlying medical concerns if you experience sudden, inexplicable bruising or if your bruises take an abnormally long time to heal.
Even though getting bruises is normal, it’s crucial to pay attention to your body if you discover that you’re getting bruises more frequently than usual. Even though ageing and minor trauma are frequently the causes, many bruises can occasionally be a sign of a more serious health issue, particularly if they are accompanied by other symptoms. Maintain a healthy diet, take preventative measures to protect your skin, and monitor for any possible vitamin shortages. And don’t be afraid to consult a medical expert to make sure everything is in order if you’re unclear about what caused your bruise.
And here’s a hint: if you’ve been getting bruises a lot, it might be because you’re not getting enough vitamins. We’ll go into more detail about the vitamin deficiencies that may be causing leg cramps and other inexplicable symptoms in our next post, so stay tuned!