A bruise that appears without any known bump or injury may seem trivial, but recurring unexplained bruising can sometimes point to an underlying health condition. From medication side effects to rare blood disorders, the possible causes range widely in severity. Knowing which warning signs to watch for can make a real difference.
In brief
- —Unexplained bruises may signal a medical condition
- —Medications, vitamin deficiencies and liver issues are common causes
- —Seven warning signs should prompt a medical consultation
Why capillaries break: from aging skin to blood thinners
Bruising occurs when tiny blood vessels called capillaries break beneath the skin, allowing blood to leak into surrounding tissue. In most cases, the cause is benign: skin naturally becomes thinner and more fragile with age, making blood vessels easier to damage.
Certain medications significantly increase the risk of bruising. Blood thinners, aspirin, and some anti-inflammatory drugs all interfere with the body’s normal clotting process. Anyone taking these treatments who notices a sudden increase in bruising should mention it to their prescribing doctor.
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