What to know about easy bruising

A bruise forms when small blood vessels leak beneath the skin after an impact, sometimes one too minor to remember. Thinner, sun-damaged skin has less cushioning, so marks may show more readily on exposed areas. Medicines that affect clotting, nutritional problems, platelet or clotting disorders, and liver or other illnesses can also contribute. The pattern and accompanying symptoms matter more than one isolated mark.

Record the date, location, size and possible trigger of each new bruise, and take a photograph if it changes. Protect skin from knocks, use a cool pack wrapped in cloth soon after an injury, and avoid pressing or massaging the area. Do not stop prescribed blood-thinning medicine on your own; provide your clinician with a complete list of medicines and supplements. Daily sun protection can help limit further skin damage.

Arrange medical review if bruising begins suddenly, occurs without injury, keeps increasing, or comes with nosebleeds, bleeding gums, unusually heavy periods, fever, marked tiredness or tiny pinpoint spots. Seek urgent help for bleeding that will not stop, a severe headache after injury, confusion, weakness or a rapidly enlarging painful swelling.

Ask whether your medicine or supplement list could contribute, whether blood tests are appropriate, how to care for fragile skin, and whether sun-damaged skin is part of the pattern.