Corticosteroids

Long-term use of corticosteroid medications can contribute to thinning of the skin and increased fragility of small blood vessels.

This may make bruising easier.

Other medications

Some other prescription and over-the-counter medications can also affect bleeding or interact with medications that increase bleeding risk.

If bruising begins after starting a new medication, don't stop the medication on your own.

Instead, ask your doctor or pharmacist whether the medication could be contributing.

3. You May Not Be Getting Enough of Certain Nutrients

Nutrition can sometimes influence bruising and bleeding.

Vitamin C is particularly important because it contributes to collagen production and healthy connective tissue.

Severe vitamin C deficiency can cause fragile blood vessels and easy bruising.

Vitamin K is also involved in normal blood clotting.

A severe deficiency can interfere with the body's ability to form clots properly.

However, nutritional deficiencies are not the most common explanation for every unexplained bruise.

Taking large doses of vitamins without knowing whether you actually need them isn't necessarily helpful.

A balanced diet is generally a better starting point.

Foods that contribute vitamin C include:

• Citrus fruits

• Bell peppers

• Strawberries

• Kiwi

• Broccoli

• Tomatoes

Vitamin K is found in foods such as:

• Leafy green vegetables

• Broccoli

• Cabbage

• Brussels sprouts

• Some vegetable oils

If you take a blood-thinning medication, particularly warfarin, don't suddenly make major changes to your vitamin K intake without discussing it with your healthcare professional.

Consistency can matter.

4. Low Platelet Levels Can Cause More Bruising

Platelets are tiny blood components that help stop bleeding.

When a blood vessel is damaged, platelets help form an initial plug at the injury site.

If platelet numbers become unusually low—a condition called thrombocytopenia—the body may have more difficulty controlling small amounts of bleeding.

Possible signs can include:

• Easy bruising

• Tiny red or purple spots on the skin

• Nosebleeds

• Bleeding gums

• Heavier-than-usual menstrual bleeding

• Prolonged bleeding after minor injuries

The tiny spots mentioned above are called petechiae.

Unlike ordinary bruises, petechiae are usually very small and may appear in clusters.

Low platelet levels can have many causes, ranging from infections and medications to immune conditions and problems affecting the bone marrow.

A blood test can help determine whether platelet levels are abnormal.

5. Blood-Clotting Problems Can Sometimes Show Up as Bruising

The body has a complex system that allows blood to clot when necessary while preventing excessive clotting under normal circumstances.

If one part of this system isn't working correctly, a person may experience unusual bleeding or bruising.

Some clotting disorders are inherited.

Others develop later in life.

A person may notice:

• Frequent large bruises

• Prolonged bleeding from small cuts

• Frequent nosebleeds

• Excessive bleeding after dental procedures

• Heavy menstrual bleeding

• Bleeding that seems disproportionate to an injury

A family history of unusual bleeding can be an important clue.

If several relatives have experienced excessive bleeding or unusually easy bruising, mention this to your doctor.

6. Liver Problems Can Affect Bruising

The liver performs many important functions, including producing proteins involved in blood clotting.

When significant liver disease interferes with these functions, abnormal bleeding or easy bruising can occur.

Liver disease may also produce other symptoms, depending on its cause and severity.