Unexplained Bruising: When to Pay Attention

Occasional bruises are common, but frequent or sudden bruising—especially on the arms, legs,

or torso—can indicate deeper health issues. These should not be dismissed as just “normal aging.”

Key Causes Include:

Blood disorders like low platelets or leukemia (look for large bruises, petechiae, nosebleeds, fatigue).

Medications such as blood thinners or steroids that weaken blood vessels.

Vitamin deficiencies, especially C and K, which can slow healing and cause bleeding gums.

Autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, vasculitis) that attack blood vessels, causing bruises, joint pain, and rashes.

Liver disease, which can impair clotting and lead to abdominal bruising, jaundice, or swelling.

While natural remedies like arnica may reduce visible bruises, they don’t treat the root cause.

Track unusual bruises, review new medications, and ask your doctor for tests like CBC, PT/INR, and liver panels.

Seek immediate care if bruises appear with petechiae, blood in stool/urine, confusion, or after a minor head injury.

Protect yourself with adequate vitamin C and K, avoid unnecessary blood thinners,

and take bruising seriously—it may be your body’s early warning sign of something treatable.