Skin is made of three layers: the epidermis topmost layer, what you can see , the dermis where capillaries, sweat glands, and hair follicles hang out , and the hypodermis mostly fat, with some blood vessels and other structural supports. A bruise forms when blood vessels in the dermis or hypodermis break, causing blood to leak into the surrounding tissue.
A bruise doesn't show up immediately; they usually appear a day or two after the injury. The color of the bruise depends on the depth of the injury. Things look darker the deeper they go in the skin. Is there something about women's skin that makes us so easy to bruise? Dermatologist Jeffrey Benabio writes on his blog that women bruise more easily than men because our skin has more fat and less collagen. According to Dr. Joel Cohen of AboutSkin Dermatology , collagen is "the main structural building block in the skin.
The collagen supports blood vessels so they are more protected from blunt force. Subcutaneous fat, on the other hand, does not structurally support the blood vessels—it's padding. Imagine your skin is a truck full of peaches.
In collagen-heavy skin, the peaches are in crates. They're kept firmly in place and are less likely to bruise on the journey. They also have a higher concentration of fat in certain areas, including the legs.
Finally, women and men have structurally different skin. Male skin has a thick collagen layer, which may hold the blood vessels in place more securely, reducing bruising. You should also keep the affected area usually a leg elevated, which prevents the blood from pooling. After a few days, switch to warm compresses to help the bruise heal. Benabio writes.
One more important note: If you consistently see unexplained bruises forming, see your physician. Please subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest news in your domain of interest. Don't forget to follow us on social networks! This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
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This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. Sweat Nosh Lifestyle Wellbeing Motherhood. Sign in. Forgot your password? Get help. Some examples in adults are:. Sometimes people don't want to call They may think that their symptoms aren't serious or that they can just get someone else to drive them.
Or they might be concerned about the cost. But based on your answers, the safest and quickest way for you to get the care you need is to call for medical transport to the hospital. Based on your answers, you may need care soon. The problem probably will not get better without medical care. Based on your answers, you may need care right away. The problem is likely to get worse without medical care.
If your bruise does not require an evaluation by a doctor, you may be able to use home treatment to help relieve pain, swelling, and stiffness. Call your doctor if any of the following occur during home treatment:. You can't always prevent bruises , but most of the time bruises are not a cause for concern. Bruises are often the first sign of abuse. You may be able to prevent further abuse by reporting it and seeking help.
To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment. You can help your doctor diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer the following questions:. Blahd Jr. Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: William H. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor.
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Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. Women's Health. Bruise Contusion of the Skin. Bruises and Blood Spots Under the Skin. Topic Overview Bruises Bruises develop when small blood vessels under the skin tear or rupture, most often from a bump or fall.
Older adults often bruise easily from minor injuries, especially injuries to the forearms, hands, legs, and feet.
As a person ages, the skin becomes less flexible and thinner because there is less fat under the skin. The cushioning effect of the skin decreases as the fat under the skin decreases.
These changes, along with skin damage from exposure to the sun, cause blood vessels to break easily. When blood vessels break, bruising occurs. Women bruise more easily than men, especially from minor injuries on the thighs, buttocks, and upper arms. A tendency to bruise easily sometimes runs in families. Blood spots Blood spots under the skin may be either purpura or petechiae. Sudden unexplained bruising or blood spots under the skin or a sudden increase in the frequency of bruising may be caused by: A medicine , such as aspirin or blood thinners anticoagulants.
Infection that causes the buildup of toxin in the blood or tissues sepsis. A bleeding or clotting disorder , such as hemophilia , von Willebrand's disease , thrombocytopenia , or another less common bleeding or clotting disorder. Other diseases that affect clotting. Examples include: Chronic inflammatory diseases, such as lupus. Liver disease, such as cirrhosis.
Some types of cancer, such as Hodgkin's disease , leukemia , or multiple myeloma. Inflammation of a blood vessel vasculitis. Malnutrition, such as deficiencies of vitamins B12 , C, or K, or folic acid. Check Your Symptoms Do you have bruises or blood spots under the skin? If a bruise is rapidly spreading, you need try to stop the bleeding under the skin. Wrap the area not too tightly with an elastic bandage, such as an Ace wrap, and keep it on until you see a doctor.
You can also put direct pressure on the area for 15 minutes at a time. How old are you? Less than 3 years. Are you male or female? Why do we ask this question? The medical assessment of symptoms is based on the body parts you have. If you are transgender or nonbinary, choose the sex that matches the body parts such as ovaries, testes, prostate, breasts, penis, or vagina you now have in the area where you are having symptoms.
If you have some organs of both sexes, you may need to go through this triage tool twice once as "male" and once as "female". This will make sure that the tool asks the right questions for you. Do you have symptoms of shock? The symptoms in an adult or older child are different than the symptoms in a young child.
Has there been a decrease in how alert or aware you are or how well you can think and respond? Do you have symptoms of a serious illness? The symptoms in an adult or older child are different than the symptoms in a baby or toddler. Are there any symptoms of infection? Are there red streaks leading away from the area or pus draining from it? Do you have diabetes, a weakened immune system , peripheral arterial disease, or any surgical hardware in the area? Diabetes, immune problems, peripheral arterial disease, or surgical hardware in affected area.
Do you think you may have a fever? Do you have any abnormal bleeding? Do you feel lightheaded or dizzy, like you are going to faint? It's normal for some people to feel a little lightheaded when they first stand up. But anything more than that may be serious. Are you bleeding now? Do you think that the bruising may have been caused by abuse? Has the number or size of bruises or blood spots increased for no clear reason?
Was the increase in bruises or blood spots fast? Do you take a medicine that affects the blood's ability to clot? This may include blood thinners and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs such as aspirin and ibuprofen.
These medicines can cause bleeding and can make it harder to control bleeding. Were the bruises caused by an injury? Did a large, painful, very swollen bruise develop within 30 minutes after the injury?
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