Common, Usually Harmless Causes
- Ageing — thinner skin and more fragile blood vessels (senile purpura)
- Sun-damaged skin
- Minor bumps that aren't remembered
- Medications: aspirin, warfarin, DOACs (apixaban, rivaroxaban), NSAIDs, steroids
- Vitamin C deficiency (rare in developed countries)
When to Investigate Further
| Red Flag | Concern |
|---|---|
| Bruising with no memory of injury, widespread | Possible clotting or platelet disorder |
| Bruising with bleeding gums or frequent nosebleeds | Suggests platelet or clotting problem |
| Bruising with unusual fatigue, pallor, or fever | Consider blood cancer (leukaemia) |
| Bruising with joint bleeding | Possible haemophilia or clotting factor deficiency |
| New onset in someone not on blood thinners | Warrants blood test investigation |
Blood Tests for Unexplained Bruising
| Test | Purpose |
|---|---|
| FBC with platelets | Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) is a common cause |
| Clotting screen (PT, APTT) | Clotting factor deficiencies |
| Blood film | Looks for abnormal cells suggesting leukaemia |
| Liver function tests | Liver disease affects clotting factor production |
| Von Willebrand factor | If bleeding disorder suspected |
Urgent Assessment NeededWidespread, unexplained bruising combined with fatigue, pallor, unexplained fever, or bleeding from gums/nose should be assessed promptly, as this combination can indicate a serious blood condition requiring urgent blood tests.
Check Your Medication CabinetBefore worrying about serious causes, review whether you've started any new medication or supplement recently — aspirin, fish oil, ginkgo biloba, and many prescription blood thinners all commonly increase bruising tendency.
Is it normal to bruise more easily as I get older?
Yes — skin naturally becomes thinner and blood vessels more fragile with age, making bruising from minor bumps (that younger skin would tolerate without marking) more common and visible.
Can vitamin deficiency cause easy bruising?
Vitamin C deficiency (scurvy) causes bruising and is due to impaired collagen synthesis affecting blood vessel walls, though this is rare in developed countries with adequate diets. Vitamin K deficiency affects clotting and can also cause bruising.
Should I stop my blood thinner if I'm bruising more?
Never stop a prescribed blood thinner without medical advice — the benefits (preventing stroke, blood clots) usually far outweigh the cosmetic issue of increased bruising. Discuss any concerns with your prescriber.
Medical Disclaimer: This page is for general education only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.