How to Find the Cause of Bruising Easily

Do you regularly find yourself thinking "Huh?" as you glance down at new bruises that weren't there yesterday? Do other people notice your bruises before you do? Are purple, black and blue parts of your everyday look? If so, it's no secret that you bruise easily. While mysterious bruises may leave you stumped, most of the time they aren't cause for medical concern. Follow these steps to find the cause of your bruising.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Assess your medicinal intake. Certain blood thinners, as well as aspirin can cause skin to bruise easily.
2. Take into account your age. Older adults and young children tend to bruise most easily because they have less fat beneath their skin. The fat acts as a layer of padding, so less amounts of body fat mean less protection. Older adults also have thinner, tissue-like skin that is susceptible to damage, particularly on the hands, legs, forearms and feet.
3. Accept that you got the short end of the stick if you're a woman. Females bruise more easily than men, especially on the upper arms, thighs and rear end.
4. Thank Grandma Sally. Easy bruising often runs in the family, so if your mother or grandmother can usually be found sporting an array of blue hews, chances are that's where you got it from.
5. Consider that you may have a vitamin deficiency of B12, K, C and/or Folic acid. Try eating more broccoli, pistachios and blueberries for Vitamin K; broccoli, citrus fruits and strawberries for Vitamin C; meat, fish, eggs and dairy for Vitamin B12; and spinach, fruits and juices for folates (natural Folic acid).
6. Seek the opinion of your doctor if you feel there is a bigger issue. Bruising is often a side effect and sometimes the first sign of certain diseases, such as lupus, cirrhosis of the liver, Hodgkin's disease, Leukemia and Multiple Myeloma.