Understanding Bruising: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

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2023-07-11 03:05:00

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It may be a nutritional deficiency or an early sign of a serious illness.

A bruise is a condition in which blood vessels are damaged by an external shock or physical force, causing blood to leak into surrounding tissues and causing swelling. It is also called purpura. When blood vessels burst, blood accumulates under the skin. As a result, hemoglobin in the blood is broken down into biliverdin and bilirubin. So the color of the bruise changes. It is initially bluish-black due to deoxyhemoglobin, turns green as biliverdin is broken down, and finally turns yellow as biliverdin is metabolized to bilirubin.

Anyone can bruise, but if you bruise easily or often, there is a reason. One of them is skin aging. As we age, the skin loses some of the fat layer that protects blood vessels from impact, and collagen production decreases, resulting in thinning and loss of elasticity, making blood vessels prone to rupture. Another factor is gender. Women tend to have more subcutaneous fat and less collagen than men. Women tend to bruise more easily than men because menopausal female hormone (estrogen) levels decrease.

The effects of the drug can also cause easy bruising. Drugs that thin the blood or affect clotting (warfarin, heparin, aspirin, etc.) cause easy bruising. There is also an underlying disease that bruises easily. Certain diseases, such as hemophilia and von Willebrand disease (a hereditary blood clotting disorder), bleed from minor injuries and bruise easily. Although less common, conditions such as purpuric dermatosis, Henoch-Schönlein purpura, or immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) may be the cause.

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If you bruise unusually often, you should seek treatment.

In addition, if you have advanced liver disease, problems with the production of proteins needed for blood clotting can lead to bruising. Nutritional deficiencies are also a cause. Vitamin C is important for the synthesis of collagen, which helps protect blood vessels. A deficiency of vitamin C can easily damage blood vessels. Finally drinking Excessive alcohol consumption can affect liver function, affecting blood’s ability to clot, making it easier to bruise.

It is important to consult a doctor as soon as possible if bruises occur abnormally a lot or often, and if they are accompanied by symptoms that can be called red flags. Red flag symptoms include unexplained bruises, abnormally large or painful bruises, sudden bleeding from the gums or nose, a strong family history of bruising, bruising following a recent medication change, fever or joint pain. When accompanied by jaundice, etc. In this case, a medical evaluation of medical history, medication history, physical activity, etc. is necessary. In most cases, related blood tests are performed, and in some cases, a skin biopsy may be required.

There are several principles to prevent bruising. First of all, you need to be careful regarding taking medications and supplements. When starting to take a new medication or supplement, it is a good idea to observe the symptoms thoroughly and consult with your doctor. Second, you need to get enough nutrition. It is necessary to ensure that the diet is rich in vitamins C and K, which are essential for maintaining healthy blood vessels and clotting. It is good to include vegetables such as oranges, strawberries, broccoli and spinach in your diet.

Caution is required during physical activity. Use appropriate equipment and tools to minimize injuries and bruises when engaging in strenuous physical activity. Skin protection is also important from a long-term perspective. You should use sunscreen, hydrate regularly and avoid chemicals that can weaken your skin. Regular check-ups are also essential. It can help you identify and manage disease conditions that can easily bruise early.

Easy bruising may be common, but it can also be an early sign of a serious illness. If symptoms occur, do not overlook them, actively deal with them, and consult with medical staff if necessary to receive appropriate treatment.

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