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Easy bruising: Common as you age

If you're experiencing easy bruising, you might have questions about what's causing the problem and what you can do about it. Find out what role aging plays in bruising and when to consult a doctor.

By Mayo Clinic staff

Yet another bruise. What caused that dark, unsightly mark on your leg? You don't recall bumping into anything. Lately, however, you seem to be bruising frequently. Is this cause for concern?

Easy bruising is common with age. Although most bruises are harmless and go away without treatment, easy bruising can sometimes be a sign of a more serious problem.

Why is easy bruising so common in older adults?

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 bright or dark red, purple or black mark. Eventually your body reabsorbs the blood, and the mark disappears.

Generally, harder blows cause larger bruises. However, if you bruise easily, a minor bump — one you might not even notice — can result in substantial discoloration.

Some people — especially women — are more prone to bruising than are others. As you get older, several factors can contribute to easy bruising, including:

  • Aging capillaries. Over time, the tissues supporting these vessels weaken, and capillary walls become more fragile and prone to rupture.
  • Thinning skin. With age, your skin becomes thinner and loses some of the protective fatty layer that helps cushion your blood vessels from injury. Excessive exposure to the sun accelerates this process.

Can medications and supplements contribute to easy bruising?

Blood-thinning drugs such as aspirin and warfarin (Coumadin) or medications such as clopidogrel (Plavix) reduce your blood's ability to clot. As a result, bleeding from capillary damage might take longer than usual to stop — which allows enough blood to leak out and cause a bruise.

Topical and systemic corticosteroids — which can be used to treat various conditions, including allergies, asthma and eczema — cause your skin to thin, making it easier to bruise. Certain dietary supplements, such as fish oil and ginkgo, also can increase your bruising risk due to a blood-thinning effect.

Don't stop taking your medications if you experience increased bruising. Consult your doctor about your concerns. In addition, make sure your doctor is aware of any supplements you're taking — especially if you're taking them while on a blood-thinning drug. Your doctor might recommend avoiding certain over-the-counter medications or supplements.

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References
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  2. Coller BS, et al. Clinical evaluation of hemorrhagic disorders: The bleeding history and differential diagnosis of purpura. In: Hoffman R, et al. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingstone; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/page.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-443-06715-0..50123-0&isbn=978-0-443-06715-0&type=bookPage&sectionEid=4-u1.0-B978-0-443-06715-0..50123-0&uniqId=233300248-2#4-u1.0-B978-0-443-06715-0..50123-0. Accessed Jan. 19, 2011.
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  6. Korman NJ. Macular, papular, vesiculobullous and pustular diseases. In: Goldman E, et al. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier Saunders; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/page.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2805-5..50470-5&isbn=978-1-4160-2805-5&type=bookPage&sectionEid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2805-5..50470-5&uniqId=233300248-7#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2805-5..50470-5. Accessed Jan. 19, 2011.
  7. Fish oil. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed Jan. 19, 2011.
  8. Ginkgo. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed Jan. 19, 2011.
  9. Muscle contusion (bruise). American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00341. Accessed Feb. 21, 2011.
  10. Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Itp/ITP_All.html. Accessed Feb. 21, 2011.
  11. Rohren CH (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 21, 2011.
  12. Gibson LE (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 23, 2011.
HQ00355 May 26, 2011

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