Your primary care provider will refer you to a hematologist if you have continued significant bruising larger than one centimeter with no known trauma. Bring a list of your medications and how long you’ve been taking them if you plan to see a doctor about random bruises. “The more physically active you are, the more likely you are to bruise or bleed,” says Dr. Elliott. Mast cell activation syndrome also can occur, with related symptoms and conditions that include irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, allergic responses, and other variants. EDS is classified into 13 subtypes, each with a specific set of symptoms, and each affecting a different part of the body. EDS is typically diagnosed at birth or in early childhood, however, it is possible to develop symptoms as a young adult.
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- Imaging tests are often done to detect internal bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.
- Meanwhile, binge drinking focuses more on how quickly and how much you drink in one sitting.
- Those with a very low platelet count often need platelet transfusions.
- Older adults bruise more easily because their skin is thinner and they tend to have less muscle and fat to cushion their blood vessels from injury.
But bruising shouldn’t always be dismissed so easily, says hematologist Dana Angelini, MD. I consider myself to be an advocate for the addicted population. My compassion, resilience, empathy, wisdom, knowledge, experience and love I have for this forgotten population goes beyond words. I consider what I do for the addicted population as a calling versus a “career,” because I too was once an “addict and alcoholic.” Today I am 45.5 years alcohol and substance free.
Alcohol-related liver disease
The most common causes are aging or a medication side effect. Bruising also can occur due to bleeding disorders or other rare medical conditions. 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. While certain conditions and medications can cause you to bruise more easily, you may still be able to prevent bruises. Skin in older adults is generally thinner, which can increase your risk of bruising.
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Following many years of sun exposure, sun-damaged skin can become thinner and blood vessel walls weaker, leading to more frequent and darker bruising, Dr. Johnston says. Anyone who notices they are bruising more often or more easily than usual should seek medical advice to rule out other health issues or seek treatment as appropriate. Senile purpura does not have links with any serious health condition, but it may increase the risk of skin tears.
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- Another serious cause of bruising is domestic violence or abuse.
- A high heart rate together with low blood pressure suggests low blood volume due to bleeding.
- Both of these things mean you may get more bruises, even from a minor bump.
- The reduced platelet count and stickiness of already circulating platelets prolong bleeding time from injuries, leading to visible bruises.
For the average healthy guy (say, drinking one or two drinks per night, or fewer than 14 drinks per week) the alcohol-related effects on bruising are temporary, and no real cause for concern. And skin naturally becomes thinner and bruises more easily as you age. If you bump part of your body hard enough, you can break tiny blood vessels under your skin. But if you don’t break the skin, the blood has nowhere to go.
- Sunnyside is the leading alcohol health platform focused on moderation and mindfulness, not sobriety.
- Sometimes, bruising after drinking occurs because of the fact that alcohol dilates the blood vessels.
- Along with the dreadful, painful, bordering-on-psychedelic hangovers I used to get when I was a drinker, I remember I would also often wake up with bruises on my body after a night of heavy drinking.
- If you seem to be bruising easily, it could also be due to medications, a medical condition, or even a vitamin deficiency.
- If you need help because of domestic violence or sexual assault, talk with a healthcare professional, or access resources and assistance through our domestic violence resource guide.
Kidney Disease
Only a couple of drinks can cause vasodilation of blood vessels close to the skin, leading to potential bruising if you bump your body against a hard surface. Alcohol is a blood thinner, which means it affects the platelet count and quality in people who drink too much. Bruises that take a long time to heal or getting bruised for no apparent cause could be signs of a bleeding disorder. When you first get a bruise, the newly trapped blood makes it look pink or red. Over the next few weeks, the body naturally breaks down the blood and absorbs it.
Is Alcohol-Induced Bruising Dangerous?
It gets trapped under the skin’s surface, causing a bruise. If you think your increased bruising is a result of your does alcohol make you bruise easily medication, don’t stop taking your medication or change your dosage. Instead, discuss your concerns with your doctor to find the treatment plan that works best for you. As with adults, if a child seems to be getting bruised more easily than usual, it could be due to certain medications or underlying conditions.