WHY WE BRUISE EASILY

Find Out Reasons Why We Bruise So Easily

Bruising happens to all of us, but why do some people experience more bruising than others? Here’s a close look at why bruises occur, and why some people bruise more easily than others:

HOW TO BRUISES HAPPEN?

Bruises tend to appear more often in some people than in others, and the severity of the bruise varies from person to person. Some people only get bruises after playing heavy contact sports or from bumping into an object, while others will get a bruise from a simple pinch or a slight bump. Bruises can show up anywhere on the body, and usually turn blue, green or even purple as they go through their healing process.
Some people experience internal bruising which can be more severe. Internal bruising of the organs can result in swelling, pain or discomfort, and is more common in children and the elderly because these individuals tend to heal at a slower pace.

KEY REASON WHY WE BRUISE SO EASILY

According to Dr. David Katz, a bruise appears when capillaries close to the skin are broken. This is usually caused by trauma such as a blow to the skin or an injury, and it can take longer for the bruise to heal if you have very weak skin, or you are taking certain types of pills or supplements that can interfere with the healing process.
Other reasons why we may bruise easily include:

• Having very thin skin and not enough body fat

• A rare genetic disorder called von Willebrand disease where the blood does not clot properly

• Poor diet that leaves your skin fragile or weak

• You have a Vitamin C deficiency

• You are taking blood-thinning medications such as heparin, or regularly take ibuprofen or aspirin

• You have liver or kidney problems

• You drink too much alcohol

TIPS FOR HEALING BRUISES

If you do tend to bruise easily, there are several ways to protect your skin and make your body strong enough to heal quickly when it does get hurt. Check with your doctor about the following options:

• Vitamin C supplements – Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can strengthen the capillary walls and protect your skin against injury

• Vitamin E supplements – Vitamin E works with Vitamin C to repair skin tissues. It plays an important role in the healing process.

• Zinc – we all need zinc to maintain healthy cells and reduce the risk of bruising. If there is not enough zinc in your diet, your skin may have difficulty healing properly

• Vitamin K cream – Vitamin K cream is often given to patients after surgery because it helps to clear up bruises and fades dark spots. It can also help the body reabsorb blood in the surrounding tissue, making it easier for the skin to resume its normal appearance.

If you have low iron levels and are anemic, bruises and injuries can actually rob your body of more iron.  It’s always a good idea to see a doctor if you find that you’re bruising easily, especially if your iron levels are depleted.

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Sabah Karimi writes on health, fitness and lifestyle for DivaVillage.