2012-12-30, 05:17 PM
A bruise develops when small blood vessels under the skin tear or rupture. Blood leaks into tissues under the skin and causes the oh-so-attractive black-and-blue color. They can also become bumpy, which is called hematoma, and that happens when blood collects and pools under the skin. This is no cause for concern, unless the bruise is accompanied by a greater injury or intense pain.
As bruises heal, usually within two to four weeks, they often turn all colors of the rainbow, including purplish-black, reddish-blue, or yellowish-green. Sometimes the area of the bruise even spreads down the body in the direction of gravity. A bruise on a leg usually will take longer to heal than a bruise on the face or arms.
Keep reading to find out if bruising easily indicates a health issue.
Don't worry — bruising with the slightest bump doesn't mean you have a serious health problem, especially if your bruises tend to be small, and don't show up often. A tendency to bruise easily sometimes runs in the family, so you might have inherited this lovely trait from one of your parents. Women bruise more easily than men, especially from minor injuries on the thighs, upper arms, and tush. The amount of fat covering your body may also play a part. If you don't have much, there's less cushioning protection, so bruises will appear with the slightest knock.
Sudden unexplained bruises, or bruising that happens frequently, could be a sign of a health issue such as an infection or a vitamin deficiency, so if you're concerned about it, it's best to make an appointment with your doctor.
As bruises heal, usually within two to four weeks, they often turn all colors of the rainbow, including purplish-black, reddish-blue, or yellowish-green. Sometimes the area of the bruise even spreads down the body in the direction of gravity. A bruise on a leg usually will take longer to heal than a bruise on the face or arms.
Keep reading to find out if bruising easily indicates a health issue.
Don't worry — bruising with the slightest bump doesn't mean you have a serious health problem, especially if your bruises tend to be small, and don't show up often. A tendency to bruise easily sometimes runs in the family, so you might have inherited this lovely trait from one of your parents. Women bruise more easily than men, especially from minor injuries on the thighs, upper arms, and tush. The amount of fat covering your body may also play a part. If you don't have much, there's less cushioning protection, so bruises will appear with the slightest knock.
Sudden unexplained bruises, or bruising that happens frequently, could be a sign of a health issue such as an infection or a vitamin deficiency, so if you're concerned about it, it's best to make an appointment with your doctor.
GOODBYE