The primary reasons for bruising easily include aging (which thins the skin and weakens blood vessels), certain medications (like blood thinners and steroids), vitamin deficiencies (especially vitamins C and K), genetic predispositions, liver disease, bleeding disorders, autoimmune conditions such as vasculitis, and other medical conditions including some cancers.
Common Causes of Easy Bruising
- Aging makes skin thinner and blood vessels more fragile, leading to easier bruising even from minor bumps.
- Medications such as blood thinners (warfarin, aspirin), NSAIDs, and corticosteroids can impair clotting or weaken vessels.
- Vitamin deficiencies, especially vitamin C (collagen production) and vitamin K (clotting), reduce vessel strength and clotting ability.
- Some genetic or inherited conditions cause fragile blood vessels or clotting disorders, such as von Willebrand disease or hemophilia.
- Liver disease can impair production of clotting proteins, increasing bruising risk.
Other Potential Factors
- Autoimmune diseases like vasculitis cause vessel inflammation and fragility.
- Intensive physical activity or frequent minor trauma can lead to unnoticed bruising.
- Rarely, some blood cancers or bone marrow disorders can cause easy bruising due to impaired blood cell production.
If bruising is frequent, unexplained, or accompanied by symptoms like heavy bleeding, fatigue, or weight loss, it is important to see a healthcare professional for evaluation.
