Did you ever realise how quickly you get bruises? Those ugly black-and-blue marks that show up suddenly, sometimes even without any prior injury recollection, can be more than just a bother. Although the golden hue that develops as the bruise progresses may not be as startling, let’s face it, it’s still not the most attractive look. In addition to being unsightly, bruises can hurt, particularly if you bump into something hard. Even worse, persistent or inexplicable bruises can occasionally indicate a more serious physiological issue.
The causes of bruising will be discussed in this article along with some suggestions for controlling or avoiding excessive bruising. Additionally, we’ll disclose how specific vitamin inadequacies may be contributing to the appearance of your skin being attacked nonstop.
Let’s first quickly review the consequences of bruises. A contusion, also known as a bruise, happens when blood vessels beneath your skin burst as a result of trauma, such as a bump, fall, or even something as minor as a knock on a door. When these vessels burst, blood seeps out and gathers beneath your skin’s surface, creating a bruise. It’s red or purple at first, but as your body recovers, it changes colour over time.
There are a number of reasons why some people bruise more easily than others, even though this is a normal process. Our skin naturally thins and loses its elasticity as we age, making blood vessels more brittle and prone to shattering. Furthermore, as we age, our bodies produce less collagen, the protein that keeps our skin resilient and structurally sound. Older persons are therefore more susceptible to bruises, even from slight trauma.
One of the less talked-about reasons for easy bruising is a vitamin deficit. Vitamin K and C deficiencies in particular can make you more prone to bruises. Collagen is essential for the strength of your blood vessels and is produced by your body with the aid of vitamin C. If you don’t get enough vitamin C, your blood vessels may weaken and burst more easily, which might result in bruises. An extreme example of this is scurvy, which is a disorder brought on by a significant shortage of vitamin C.
An essential component of blood coagulation is vitamin K. Bruises may be more obvious if your body isn’t getting enough vitamin K since it might not be able to stop the bleeding as soon when blood vessels are damaged.
Taking certain drugs may increase your risk of being bruised. As an illustration, blood thinners such as heparin, warfarin, and aspirin are frequently prescribed to avoid blood clots. These drugs can make it more difficult for your blood to clot effectively, which means that even a small damage might cause a large bruise. However, they are crucial for those who are at risk of clotting. Oral and topical steroids have the potential to weaken the skin over time and make you more prone to bruises. It could be worthwhile to ask your doctor if bruising is a possible side effect if you’re taking medication for an extended period of time.
Frequent bruises might occasionally indicate a serious medical condition. Bruising can result from blood-related conditions like haemophilia, leukaemia, or platelet problems that impact your blood’s ability to clot properly. Your body’s capacity to create clotting factors may also be impacted by liver disease, which could make bruising easier.
Bruising can also result from autoimmune diseases like lupus or vasculitis that can weaken blood vessels or cause issues with blood coagulation, as well as vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a connective tissue ailment that makes blood vessels more brittle.
The way you live can also affect how quickly you get bruises. Chronic exposure to the sun, for instance, can weaken blood vessels and harm the skin, increasing the likelihood of bruises. A bad diet that is deficient in vital minerals, such vitamins C and K, can make you more vulnerable to bruises. Alcohol abuse can impair blood coagulation and weaken blood vessels, which makes bruising more likely.
Last but not least, some people are just more likely than others to bruise due to genetics. Bruising may be more likely to happen to you if it runs in your family. This may be caused by a number of genetic variables that affect your skin’s suppleness, blood vessel strength, and general clotting capacity.
You can take steps to protect yourself and lessen bruises, even though there are some situations beyond your control. The health of your skin and blood vessels can be supported by eating a well-balanced diet that contains lots of vitamin K (found in leafy greens like spinach and kale) and vitamin C (found in citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, etc.). Discuss possible substitutes or extra safety measures with your doctor if you’re taking any drugs that raise your risk of bruises.
It’s a good idea to wear protective clothes when participating in activities that could cause damage, including sports or gardening, if you’re prone to bruises. Maintaining the suppleness of your skin through hydration may lessen the chance of bruises. Seek moisturisers containing ceramides or hyaluronic acid instead. You can avoid needless bruising and protect your blood vessels by consuming less alcohol. In order to rule out any underlying medical concerns, it’s crucial to get medical help if you experience unexpectedly long healing times or abrupt, inexplicable bruising.
Even while bruises are normal, it’s crucial to pay attention to your body if you find that they’re happening more frequently than they usually do. Often, ageing and minor damage are the causes, but occasionally, especially when combined with other symptoms, many bruises may be a sign of a more serious health issue. Take preventative measures to keep your skin healthy, maintain a balanced diet, and monitor for any possible vitamin shortages. And to make sure everything is in order, don’t be afraid to contact a medical expert if you’re not sure what caused your bruise.
Just a heads up: if you’ve been getting bruises a lot, it can be brought on by a vitamin deficiency. In our next post, we’ll go into greater detail about the vitamin deficiencies that may be causing leg cramps and other inexplicable symptoms.
