This article will cover the symptoms, potential causes, and treatment for easy bruising.
Symptoms of Easy Bruising
A bruise (contusion) is an area of skin that becomes discolored when blood vessels under the skin get damaged. Bruises commonly develop on the arms and legs, as these areas of the body are susceptible to injury (such as bumping into furniture). These bruises typically go away within one to two weeks.
Symptoms of easy bruising include:
Large bruisesBruising without a known causeMultiple bruises at the same timeBruises on areas of the body not prone to injury (e. g. , torso or face)
Medical Conditions That Cause Easy Bleeding
Easy bruising can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. One group of medical conditions that can cause easy bleeding are blood disorders. These conditions interfere with the body’s ability to properly clot blood because there is a lack of proteins in the blood that help platelets form blood clots (clotting factors).
Symptoms of bleeding disorders can include:
Easy bruisingHeavy periodsBleeding gumsSpontaneous nosebleedsBleeding into jointsExcessive bleeding from small injuries or after surgery
Hemophilia
Hemophilia is a genetic condition that occurs when a person lacks specific clotting factors. There are two types of hemophilia: type A (which occurs when clotting factor VIII is lacking) and type B (which occurs when clotting factor IX is decreased).
The symptoms of hemophilia can be mild or severe, depending on how much clotting factor is present in the affected person’s blood.
Hemophilia affects males more often than females because the condition is caused by a defect on the X chromosome. People assigned females at birth have two X chromosomes and people who are assigned males have one X and one Y chromosome.
Therefore, males who inherit the defective X chromosome will have hemophilia. Females who inherit one defective X chromosome may or may not have symptoms, depending on the level of clotting factor in their blood. If two defective chromosomes are inherited, females will have hemophilia.
Von Willebrand Disease
Von Willebrand disease is a bleeding disorder that occurs when a protein called von Willebrand factor in the blood is lacking or not working properly. This condition is more common than hemophilia and affects males and females equally.
There are three types of von Willebrand disease. Type 1 is the mildest and type 3 is the most severe.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Bleeding Disorders
Bleeding disorders are diagnosed by reviewing your symptoms and performing blood tests. These tests can include:
Complete blood count (CBC): Determines the number of blood cells and platelets in your blood Prothrombin time (PT): Measures how long it takes for your blood to clot Clotting factor tests: Assess amounts of different clotting factors in your blood Genetic testing: Looks for genetic defects that occur with bleeding disorders
Treatment for bleeding disorders depends on the severity of the condition. Mild cases might only need treatment during procedures, such as dental work or during childbirth when bleeding is likely to occur. In these situations, medications called antifibrinolytic agents can be taken to help control bleeding.
A synthetic hormone called Ddavp (Desmopressin) is used to treat minor bleeding. Birth control pills can help control the amount of bleeding during menstrual periods.
More serious cases of bleeding disorders might require factor replacement therapy that adds clotting factors to the blood.
Cushing’s Syndrome
Easy bruising can be a symptom of Cushing’s syndrome. In this condition, the body makes too much of a hormone called cortisol. Cushing’s is most often caused by long-term use of corticosteroid medications, but it can also be caused by a tumor.
Other symptoms of Cushing’s include:
Rounded faceWeight gainStretch marksMuscle weaknessFat in the base of the neckThin arms and legs
Cushing’s syndrome is diagnosed with blood, urine, and saliva tests, as well as imaging to identify tumors. The treatment will be specific to the underlying cause but can include medication, chemotherapy, radiation, or sometimes surgery.
Leukemia
Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects blood cells. It can cause low platelet levels, which can lead to easy bruising. Other symptoms of leukemia include:
Joint pain Night sweats Loss of appetite Unexplained weight loss Difficulty breathing Swollen lymph nodes Fever Fatigue Prolonged bleeding Tiny red dots under the skin
Leukemia is diagnosed with blood and bone marrow tests. It can be treated with chemotherapy or other medications, radiation, and stem cell transplant.
Medications That Can Cause Easy Bruising
Easy bruising can be a side effect of certain medications, such as:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These medications decrease inflammation and pain. Examples of NSAIDs include Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen), Bayer (aspirin), and Aleve (naproxen). Blood thinners: These medications help prevent blood clots that can lead to stroke, heart attack, and pulmonary embolism. Coumadin (warfarin) is a commonly prescribed blood thinner.
When To See a Healthcare Provider
Talk to your provider if you notice frequent bruising—especially if there doesn’t appear to be an obvious cause. Other signs that you should get treatment for easy bruising include:
Frequent nosebleedsBleeding that does not stop after 10 minutesHaving periods that last more than seven daysHeavy periods that require changing a pad or tampon more frequently than every two hoursFamily history of bleeding disorders
Summary
Easy bruising can cause large bruises in multiple areas of the body, often at the same time. The discolorations can be caused by a bleeding disorder or another medical condition or can be a side effect of medications.
Bleeding disorders are genetic conditions that are diagnosed with blood tests. In addition to easy bruising, bleeding disorders can cause frequent nosebleeds, heavy periods, and bleeding that does not stop after 10 minutes. Other medical conditions that can cause easy bruising include Cushing’s syndrome and leukemia.
A Word From Verywell
Easy bruising might or might not be a cause for concern. Bruises on your arms or legs can occur from bumping into furniture, even if you don’t remember hurting yourself.
If you have bruises on your torso or face, or other symptoms like bleeding gums, heavy periods, and frequent nosebleeds—talk to your provider. Together, these could be signs of an underlying medical condition. Make sure to give your provider an updated list of all the medications, OTC products, dietary supplements, and herbal products that you are taking.
