While unexplained bruising does not automatically mean you have a serious medical condition, it can occasionally be worth discussing with a healthcare professional.
Understanding the difference between ordinary bruising and unusual bruising can help you make informed decisions about your health.
What Is a Bruise?
A bruise forms when tiny blood vessels beneath the skin become damaged.
As these small blood vessels break, a small amount of blood leaks into the surrounding tissues beneath the skin.
This trapped blood creates the discoloration we recognize as a bruise.
Bruises often change color as they heal.
They may begin as:
- Red or pink
- Purple or blue
- Dark blue or black
As healing continues, the bruise often fades to:
- Green
- Yellow
- Light brown
Eventually, the discoloration disappears completely as the body removes the trapped blood and repairs the damaged tissue.
This healing process is entirely normal.
When Bruising Is Usually Nothing to Worry About
Most bruises have an obvious explanation.
Common causes include:
- Sports injuries
- Bumping into furniture
- Physical activity
- Household accidents
- Minor falls
Some areas of the body bruise more easily than others, particularly the arms and legs.
As people get older, bruising may also become more common because the skin becomes thinner and blood vessels become more fragile.
When Bruises May Deserve More Attention
Although bruising is usually harmless, certain patterns may be worth discussing with a healthcare professional.
Examples include:
- Frequent bruises with no remembered injury
- Very large bruises after minor bumps
- Bruises that take an unusually long time to heal
- Bruises appearing in unusual locations
- Bruising accompanied by other symptoms
The presence of one of these signs does not necessarily indicate a serious problem, but it may justify further evaluation.
Factors That Can Increase Bruising
Several everyday factors can make bruising more likely, including:
Certain Medications
Some medications can affect the body’s ability to clot blood normally.
