New Delhi: Almost everyone experiences bruises at some point in life- whether in childhood, during adventurous activities in adulthood, or in older age, when even minor injuries can cause bruising. Blue or purple marks that appear on the skin are usually harmless and fade naturally over time.

Dr. Satish Kumar, Consultant – Hematologist and blood-oncologist, Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpurhighlighted the causes of unexplained bruises and the dangers of overlooking them.

What if bruises appear out of nowhere, with no injury? should they be ignored or checked by a doctor?

A bruise forms when tiny blood vessels under the skin break, causing blood to leak and pool beneath the surface. In most cases, minor injuries cause bruising, which is a normal response. These bruises usually heal on their own and are not a cause for concern.

It has been observed that occasionally women may experience unexplained bruises around menstruation or mid-cycle due to hormonal changes. Such bruises usually heal on their own.

Due to thinning skin and decreased tissue strength, older adults tend to develop bruises more easily. This tendency is often exacerbated by blood-thinning medications such as aspirin.

However, some bruises can cause serious problems. Frequent bruising without an obvious cause, or bruising accompanied by other bleeding—such as from the gums, nose, or unusually heavy menstrual cycles—may lead to clotting disorder.

Reasons behind bruising and bleeding are as follows:

• Low platelet count – Platelets help forming a plug at injury sites, so its shortage can lead to easy bruising.
• Non-functional platelets – Medications, like aspirin, can affect platelet function.
• Deficiency in clotting factors – Lack of protein can cause excessive bruising.

In summary, bruises differ in cause and its effect. Bruises from common injuries are usually harmless, However, only unexplained bruises or bruises with other symptoms- such as bleeding, fatigue, or infections – need medical attention.