The Science of Bruising – Part 3 of a 5 Part Series
Posted on 02. Apr, 2011 by Danny in Bruising
Part 3: Common Causes of Bruising and Predisposition to Bruising
Now that we’ve discussed what bruising is, and the types and levels, what are some of the common causes? Why are some people more predisposed to bruising than others?
Of course, asking, “what causes bruising” seems too simple at first; everyone believes or knows bruises are caused by blunt trauma to the body, because everyone at some point has experienced a bruise. Yet, bruising isn’t just caused by everyday bangs and bumps.
Besides common everyday accidents, which usually cause mild bruising, more intense accidents such as car wrecks, falls, or other trauma are a major cause of moderate to severe bruises.
Sports and exercise are also major causes, especially for those participating in impact sports such as football or soccer, or those who mountain bike, surf, rock climb and the like. Bruises in athletes are often the result of tiny microscopic tears in blood vessels under the skin caused by physical stress.
Surgery or other medical procedures, especially near bones such as procedures on the face, hands or feet, are known for causing mild to moderate bruises. Oral surgery, plastic surgery and some dermalogical procedures are common causes of medical procedure bruising.
Medications taken to “thin or regulate the blood” can increase the appearance of bruises for some. Minor bumps can result in a bruise since the layers of tissue allow thinner blood to pool.
Those people with blood disorders and bleeding conditions such as certain types of hemophilia typically experience more frequent bruising. If bruises are re-occurring and unexplained, this may indicate a medical problem that needs to be diagnosed and treated, especially if the bruises are accompanied by nosebleeds, bleeding gums, nose bleeds and other related symptoms.
Other common causes of Bruising:
- Aspirin and even some common supplements like fish oil
- Severe vomiting and coughing, such as those with the flu
- Blood-related diseases such as leukemia and certain types of cancer
- Liver diseases, such as cirrhosis
- Lymphomas
Nutritional deficiencies, such as deficiency in vitamins C, K, B12, or folic acid
- Sepsis, or severe infection in the bloodstream
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or other auto immune diseases
- Existing allergies, or allergies to certain medications
There are other factors at play as well:
- Women bruise more easily than men due to more subcutaneous fat.
- Age. As we age our skin and tissues become thinner and less elastic making the elderly especially prone to bruising.
- Skin color. Although medically the same, bruises look more severe on those with lighter skin
