What do bruises mean on the body?

What do bruises mean on the body?

Most bruises form when small blood vessels (capillaries) near the skin's surface are broken by the impact of a blow or injury — often on the arms or legs. When this happens, blood leaks out of the vessels and initially appears as a black-and-blue mark. Eventually your body reabsorbs the blood, and the mark disappears.

What bruises should you worry about?

When to get a bruise checked out Abnormal bleeding in the gums, frequent nose bleeds or blood in the urine or stool. Frequent very large, very painful bruises. Numbness or weakness anywhere in the injured limb. Swelling around the bruised skin.

Is bruising for no reason bad?

Bruises are often harmless, but they can sometimes indicate a medical condition that requires medical treatment. For example, a person should see a doctor if: bruising occurs for no apparent reason and does not heal within a few weeks. bruises appear in unusual locations, such as the torso, back, or face.

Is Bruising good or bad?

Minor bruises are not a cause for concern and most heal within 2 weeks. Sometimes, a bruise may be a sign of a more serious condition that needs medical attention. Seek medical care right away if you notice any of the following. A bruise that keeps getting bigger after the day of the injury may need medical attention.

How do bruises go away?

Bruises usually fade away in about 2 weeks. Over that time, the bruise changes color as the body breaks down and reabsorbs the blood. The color of the bruise can give you an idea how old it is: When you first get a bruise, it's kind of reddish as the blood appears under the skin.

Does low iron cause bruising?

You may begin to bruise easily if you aren't getting enough iron. That's because your body needs iron to keep your blood cells healthy. If your blood cells aren't healthy, your body won't be able to get the oxygen that it needs to function. This may make your skin more susceptible to bruising.

What does leukemia bruises look like?

Small red spots (petechiae) Small, pinhead-sized red spots on the skin (called “petechiae”) may be a sign of leukaemia. These small red spots are actually very small bruises that cluster so that they look like a rash.

What vitamin deficiency can cause bruising?

Summary Vitamin C deficiency weakens blood vessels, causing easy bruising. It's often one of the first obvious signs of vitamin C deficiency.

What cancers cause bruising?

People with leukemia are more likely to bruise because their bodies don't make enough platelets to plug bleeding blood vessels. Leukemia bruises look like any other kind of bruise, but there are usually more of them than usual. Additionally, they may show up on unusual areas of your body, such as the back.

How long will a bruise last?

Bruises usually fade away in about 2 weeks. Over that time, the bruise changes color as the body breaks down and reabsorbs the blood. The color of the bruise can give you an idea how old it is: When you first get a bruise, it's kind of reddish as the blood appears under the skin.

What is the difference between a bruise and a contusion?

• There is no difference between a bruise and a contusion. Contusion is the medical term for bruise. (This answer provided for NATA by the Gustavus Adolphus College Athletic Training Education Program.) A bruise occurs when small blood vessels near the skin’s surface rupture or break which is often caused twist, bump or fall.

What causes bruises to appear without injury?

• Petechiae are tiny purple or red spots that look like a bruise when clustered together. Purpura occur without injury, likely due to a blood-clotting disorder. Everyday things that cause bruising include: As you age, you tend to have thinner skin and less fat under the skin. This can make you bruise more easily.

When should you worry Your Bruise?

• A bruise can need medical care if: You think a sprain or broken bone may have caused it. It keeps getting bigger after the first day. It makes your arm or leg swollen or tight. It lasts for more than a couple of weeks or shows up again for no reason. It's around your eye and you have a hard time seeing or looking in different directions.

What does random bruising tell you?

• Factors that affect bruising. Random bruising may indicate an underlying health problem. ...
• Causes of random bruising. Unexplained bruising is very common and heals relatively quickly. ...
• Bruising in pregnancy. This occurs in 4.4% to 11.6% of pregnancies. ...
• When to see a doctor. It is impossible to completely prevent bruising. ...
• Summary. ...