Disorders Characterized by Excessive Bruising Due to Abnormal Blood Clotting
In our daily lives, it's not uncommon to experience bruises from minor bumps or falls. However, some individuals may experience easy bruising more frequently than others. This article aims to shed light on the causes of easy bruising, with a focus on common blood disorders.
Easy bruising can be a sign of various health conditions that compromise the integrity of blood vessels or the body's ability to heal. Some of these conditions include diabetes, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, vascular diseases, Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and lupus.
Certain medications, such as corticosteroids, blood pressure medications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and herbal supplements like ginkgo biloba, can also affect bruising. Additionally, certain blood disorders can cause prolonged bleeding beneath the skin surface, leading to easy, large, and slow-healing bruises.
Among the common blood disorders that cause easy or abnormal bruising are thrombocytopenia, Von Willebrand Disease, hemophilia, leukemia, and other blood cancers.
Thrombocytopenia, a condition characterized by a low platelet count, impairs clotting and can be caused by autoimmune destruction, bone marrow issues, or medications. Von Willebrand Disease, the most common inherited bleeding disorder, affects clotting factors and can lead to easy bruising. Hemophilia, an inherited clotting disorder, impairs the blood’s ability to clot, leading to severe bleeding and easy bruising even from minor injuries.
Leukemia and other blood cancers can reduce platelet production, causing easy bruising and associated symptoms like fatigue and infections. Autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis can cause immune-mediated platelet destruction or blood vessel damage, leading to bruising.
Liver diseases like cirrhosis or hepatitis can reduce production of clotting proteins, further contributing to bruising, but they are not primary blood disorders.
Other causes of easy bruising include age, sun exposure, and certain medications. Actinic purpura, a type of bruising that occurs due to chronic sun exposure and weakened connective tissue, is an example. Smoking can impair the healing process and the fragility of blood vessels, potentially leading to easy bruising.
Several nutrient deficiencies, including deficiencies in vitamin K, vitamin B, vitamin E, vitamin D, zinc, and copper, can also cause easy bruising.
If you or someone you know is experiencing bruises accompanied by significant swelling, extreme pain, occur while on blood thinners or other medications, increase in size, develop after minor bumps, affect an area disproportionate to the injury, appear without a known cause, occur alongside other concerning symptoms like nose bleeds, fatigue, or lightheadedness, it's important to seek medical care.
The American Society of Hematology is an organization that can provide more information about blood disorders and bruising. If you suspect you may have a blood disorder, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
- Hemophilia, an inherited clotting disorder, impairs the blood's ability to clot, leading to severe bleeding and easy bruising even from minor injuries.
- Among the common blood disorders that cause easy or abnormal bruising are thrombocytopenia, Von Willebrand Disease, and hemophilia.
- Certain blood disorders, such as hemophilia, can cause prolonged bleeding beneath the skin surface, leading to easy, large, and slow-healing bruises.
