Random Bruising: Is It Serious? Causes, Treatment, And Prevention

Maybe your like

Medical News TodaySubscribeEverything you need to know about random bruising

Medically reviewed by Meredith Goodwin, MD, FAAFP — Written by Alex Bell — Updated on November 12, 2024

Bruising factors
Causes
In pregnancy
Contacting a doctor
FAQs
Summary

Bruising occurs when blood becomes trapped under the skin, usually following an impact injury that damages small blood vessels. However, not all bruising has a simple explanation.

Although random or sudden bruising does not necessarily mean a person has a medical condition, it may still be worth discussing with a doctor.

This article will expand on the factors and causes of random bruising and accompanying symptoms. It will also explain bruising during pregnancy and when to see a doctor.

Factors that affect bruising

A woman examines random bruising on her knee.

Most bruises are nothing to worry about and will heal within weeks or months. They can vary in color, and skin color may affect the appearance of a bruise.

However, random, sporadic bruising may be a symptom of something less obvious, especially if there are other symptoms. Bruises on the torso, back, or face could be a concern.

Here are some key factors in random bruising:

Age: Older adults are much more susceptible to bruising. The skin becomes thinner and less flexible, especially on the backs of the arms. Blood vessels lose elasticity and break much more easily.
Genetics: A tendency to bruise easily can run in the family. For example, von Willebrand’s disease is a hereditary bleeding disorder in which the blood does not clot properly. This leads to easy bruising or larger bruises. However, it only affects up to 1% of the United States population.

Learn more about what the colors of a bruise mean here.

Causes of random bruising

Unexplained bruising is very common and heals relatively quickly. However, if a bruise persists, changes in size, or looks unusual, there may be an underlying condition or other factors.

The following are some possible causes of random bruising.

Medications and supplements

Medications such as anticoagulants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and corticosteroids reduce the blood’s ability to clot. This may result in blood leaking from vessels and accumulating under the skin.

Someone who takes medication and has random bruising should speak to a doctor for advice and to discuss their drug and family medical history.

A bleeding or clotting disorder

Underlying bleeding disorders — such as hemophilia, thrombocytopenia, or factor V deficiency — can cause bruising.

Hemophilia is a rare genetic condition in which people lack either clotting factor VIII or IX, resulting in excessive bruising.

People with immune thrombocytopenia have a low platelet count, and bruising can also appear for no reason. Platelets are cells that help the blood to clot and stop bleeding.

Factor V deficiency is a rare bleeding disorder in which people lack the coagulation protein factor V, which prevents blood from clotting. Symptoms can occur at any age, but most severe cases occur during childhood.

Other common symptoms of a bleeding disorder include:

nosebleeds
blood in the urine or stool
bleeding gums

Infection

Sepsis is an infection that causes a buildup of toxins in the blood or tissues. People with sepsis may develop a cluster of tiny blood spots, resembling pinpricks in the skin (petechiae) or purple areas (purpura). Without treatment, these may increase, join together, and form larger bruises.

Also known as blood poisoning, sepsis requires immediate emergency treatment.

Vitamin deficiencies

A poor diet can negatively affect health, and vitamin deficiencies can contribute to random bruising.

Some deficiencies include vitamin C deficiency and vitamin K deficiency.

Vitamin C is versatile and vital to health. It is necessary for collagen production, boosts the immune system, and maintains antioxidant activity. It also eliminates harmful free radicals that can lead to tissue degeneration and random bruising. The result of extreme vitamin C deficiency is scurvy, which also leads to bleeding gums, fingernail and tooth loss, and heart failure.

Meanwhile, vitamin K deficiency can contribute to significant bleeding, issues with bone development, and cardiovascular disease. It is rare in adults and generally occurs in the neonatal period.

However, taking anticoagulants and antibiotics that interfere with vitamin K production may cause deficiencies.

People can prevent vitamin deficiencies by making dietary changes and taking supplements.

Liver or kidney disease

When the liver experiences damage, it stops producing the proteins required for blood clotting. Cirrhosis, for example, is the result of continuous long-term damage, and bruising easily is a symptom.

However, it may appear alongside fatigue, appetite loss, abdominal pain, and nausea. A person with kidney disease may also bruise easily due to a loss of skin elasticity.

Medications for treating liver or kidney disease can also hinder the blood clotting process and inhibit platelet function. Ecchymosis, which occurs when blood leaks from a broken capillary into surrounding tissue, is common and requires a preventive treatment plan.

Anyone who suspects liver or kidney disease should consult a doctor.

Other causes

Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and targeted therapy, may also lead to bruising. This is because they lower the amount of platelets in the blood.

Easy bruising and bleeding are common leukemia symptoms. They generally affect the back, legs, and hands. Another indication of possible leukemia is lots of bruises with no indication as to a cause. Bruises that take longer than usual to disappear are another concern.

Bernard-Soulier syndrome is a rare, inherited blood clotting disorder. People with this condition may bruise easily, bleeding from small blood vessels under the skin.

Bruising in pregnancy

Doctors will check a woman’s platelet levels throughout pregnancy, but bruising could be a symptom of gestational thrombocytopenia, which can lead to a low platelet count.

Always mention any unusual bruising during pregnancy to a doctor or midwife.

When to see a doctor

It is impossible to completely prevent bruising. Although bruises are usually harmless, they can sometimes indicate a medical condition that requires treatment.

For example, a person should see a doctor if:

bruising occurs for no apparent reason and does not heal within a few weeks
bruises appear in unusual locations, such as the torso, back, or face
there are several bruises in one specific area or a cluster scattered on different parts of the body
there are recurring bruises
bruising appears with other symptoms, such as fatigue, nausea, or a high temperature

Frequently asked questions

Why might a person get random bruises for no reason?

Bruises may result from underlying medical conditions, age as the skin becomes thinner, or genetics. Many bruises may also result from knocks against objects and usually fade within a few weeks.

What kind of bruising should a person worry about?

A person should speak with a doctor if they have continuous bruising with no apparent reason, bruises in certain locations such as the torso, or they appear alongside other symptoms such as fatigue and nausea.

What deficiencies can cause random bruising?

Deficiencies that may cause random bruising include vitamin C deficiency and vitamin K deficiency.

Summary

Occasional bruising is rarely a cause for concern. However, it is worth talking with a doctor if the discoloration does not heal within a few weeks. There may be a blood clotting issue or another underlying condition that needs treatment.

Taking certain medications and growing older can be the root of the problem. However, further investigation may be necessary if a person experiences other symptoms alongside random bruising.

Dermatology
Blood / Hematology
Liver Disease / Hepatitis
Pregnancy / Obstetrics

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

About von Willebrand disease. (2024).https://www.cdc.gov/von-willebrand/about/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/vwd/facts.html
Autoerythrocyte sensitization syndrome. (2024).https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/6481/gardner-diamond-syndrome
Bernard-Soulier syndrome. (2020).https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/bernard-soulier-syndrome/
Blood thinners. (2024).https://medlineplus.gov/bloodthinners.html
Bruising questions. (2022).https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2022/01/bruising-questions
Bruising in leukaemia VS ordinary bruising. (n.d.).https://www.leukaemiacare.org.uk/support-and-information/latest-from-leukaemia-care/blog/spotting-the-difference-bruising-in-leukaemia-vs-ordinary-bruising/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6dC6woaY6gIV0u7tCh1REQm5EAAYASAAEgLGyPD_BwE
Eden RE, et al. (2020). Vitamin K deficiency.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK536983/
Factor V deficiency. (2020).https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/factor-v-deficiency
Habas SrE, et al. (2022). Gestational thrombocytopenia: A review on recent updates.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9010930/
Hemophilia A. (2024).https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/hemophilia-a/
How liver diseases progress. (2024).https://liverfoundation.org/about-your-liver/how-liver-diseases-progress/#1503432933768-040e8645-d918
Immune thrombocytopenia. (2022).https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/immune-thrombocytopenia
Noble JM, et al. (2020). Vitamin C deficiency.https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/632
Prednisolone. (2019).https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/prednisolone/
Septicaemia. (2020).https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/conditions-and-treatments/conditions-we-treat/septicaemia/
Stoj KM, et al. (2024). Factor V deficiency.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK580494/
The progression of liver disease. (n.d.).https://liverfoundation.org/for-patients/about-the-liver/the-progression-of-liver-disease/
Understanding bruising in seniors: What’s normal and when to worry. (n.d.).https://springpointsl.org/blog/bruising-in-seniors/
What is haemolytic uraemic syndrome? (n.d.).https://www.kidneyresearchuk.org/conditions-symptoms/haemolytic-uraemic-syndrome/

Share this article

Medically reviewed by Meredith Goodwin, MD, FAAFP — Written by Alex Bell — Updated on November 12, 2024

Latest news

Between sleep and exercise, choose sleep, research suggests
To keep your heart healthy, try drinking more orange juice
Eating kimchi daily for 12 weeks may help regulate immune system
Supplement mix helps reduce tumor aggressiveness in deadly brain cancer
6 depression symptoms in midlife linked to almost 50% higher dementia risk

Related Coverage

What do the colors of a bruise mean?Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI
Bruise colors depend on skin tone and the intensity of an injury. They may be red, blue, black, yellow, or slightly darker than a person's unbruised…
READ MORE
A list of ways to get rid of a bruiseMedically reviewed by Jenneh Rishe, RN
Bruises usually heal without treatment, but home remedies may be able to speed up the process. Here is a list of ways to get rid of bruises.
READ MORE
What to know about bruising easilyMedically reviewed by J. Keith Fisher, M.D
A bruise usually results from a blow to the body. Bruising can happen more easily if a person uses certain medications or has a health condition or…
READ MORE
How to tell apart a sprained ankle and a broken ankleMedically reviewed by Angelica Balingit, MD
A broken ankle is typically more severe than a sprained ankle and has a longer recovery time. Learn how to tell these two injuries apart here.
READ MORE
Buddy taping for finger and toe injuriesMedically reviewed by Gregory Minnis, DPT
Buddy taping helps treat minor finger and toe injuries by stabilizing the injured digit while it heals. Read about how to do it and when to avoid it.
READ MORE

Tag » Do You Bruise Easier When Pregnant

Health Conditions

Health Products

News

Original Series

Podcasts

General Health

Health Tools

Quizzes

About Medical News Today

Find Community

Follow Us