This can damage blood vessels and causes blood to pool below the surface of the skin, leaving behind black, blue, purple, brown, green, or yellow marks. Most cases of random bruising are nothing to worry about. However, if you still find unusual bruises after switching up your diet or cutting back on OTC pain relievers, it may be time to speak with a doctor.
Von Willebrand disease
But see a healthcare provider if you often get mystery bruises. Bruising occasionally indicates a more serious medical condition. Vitamin C or K deficiency, bleeding disorders such as hemophilia or Von Willebrand disease, or cancer can cause bruising. If you experience increased bruising, don’t stop taking your medications.
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You may also notice bruising after receiving an injection or wearing tight clothing. You may also experience pain and tenderness in the area of bruising. Alcohol is a major contributing factor to liver disease, but the condition can also result from cancer and other health issues. Your pain should begin to subside about bruises on legs after drinking 3 days after you were bruised. In the meantime, if the bruise really hurts or is swollen, you can take over-the-counter drugs to relieve your pain. NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen can be used, though there is a slight increase in bleeding especially in elderly patients or in those already on a blood thinner.
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The most important strategy against alcoholic neuropathy lies in preventing the symptoms from getting worse by decreasing alcohol consumption as soon as possible. In general, it takes years for alcoholic neuropathy to develop, so a long-standing history of heavy alcohol use is typical. Some people experience a faster onset and progression of alcoholic neuropathy than others. It’s not completely clear why some people are more prone to this complication than others. This results in decreased sensation in the hands and feet. If the sensation is decreased enough, you may feel actual numbness after drinking alcohol.
However, easy bruising can sometimes be a sign of a more serious problem. If you’re experiencing easy bruising, you might have questions about what’s causing it and what you can do about it. Find out what role aging plays and when to consult a health care provider.
Withdrawal Symptoms
For vitamin deficiencies, treatment may involve replacing that vitamin through diet or injection. That vasodilation also happens to be responsible for the flushed sensation of heat you sometimes get in your face when you drink. That’s right — my arms and legs were so spotted with blacks and blues, I was basically a human cheetah. Sepsis is more common in infants and people with weakened immune systems. Sepsis is a life threatening complication of an infection.
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A hematoma is a large pool of blood that may come from a serious injury, such as a major fall or a car accident. Hematomas are usually painful and may make the skin over it feel raised, spongy, rubbery, and/or lumpy. Hematomas are more serious than ecchymoses, and they generally need medical attention. They may also recommend blood tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC) and a coagulation factor test, which check to see if there’s an issue with your ability to form blood clots.
- Certain medications also make it more likely for you to bruise.
- Sepsis is a life threatening complication of an infection.
- Be prepared to provide your personal and family health history as well as a list of medications and dietary supplements.
It might seem like you have permanent bruises on your arms. Some bruises seem like they’ll never clear up, but all bruises eventually heal. If you have a bruise that looks like it’s set up permanent residence, a few things could be happening. Shine365 is your source for healthy living information from Marshfield Clinic Health System. Every day you’ll find helpful ideas and advice on a wide variety of health topics to help you and your family live well. If you have a bruise on your breast and don’t know how you got it or have other symptoms, go talk to your doctor.
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- According to one older study, people with close family members who bruise easily may also experience frequent bruising.
- Someone who lives with an alcohol use disorder may experience lasting brain changes that make it difficult to stop drinking.
- This means that a minor bump or injury can cause large or lumpy bruises.
- Bruises will eventually disappear, often changing colors during the healing process.
- They have many causes, from infections to low platelet levels in your blood.
According to the American Liver Foundation, people with cirrhosis may bleed or bruise more easily. Dilated blood vessels can make bleeding more likely when you drink. If you have cirrhosis from alcohol liver damage, you’re also more likely to bleed and bruise easily. Alcohol and unexplained bruising could point to liver damage from drinking. Easy bruising and bleeding are signs of cirrhosis, which is a serious liver disorder. This condition has a high mortality rate and is not reversible.