Why Do I Bruise So Easily?

Everyone gets a bruise now and then, but what if you bruise easily and can't explain how the bruises got there?

According to Mercy board certified dermatologist Dr. Danielle Baruch, certain medications and supplements can cause easy bruising, as can various diseases and vitamin deficiencies, but those aren't the most common reasons.

"A really big component of it is age. As we get older, we lose some of the fatty layer of our skin and that supports our blood vessels. So, blood vessels tear a lot easier as we lose some of that cushion," Dr. Baruch said. "Also, the rays from the sun degrade a lot of the collagen in our skin and that can also lead to those blood vessels becoming more fragile and bruises appearing more easily."

Eating a well-balanced diet and using sun protection can help. If bruising appears on places you wouldn't normally expect, like your face, back or abdomen, you should talk with your doctor about it.

To view Dr. Danielle Baruch of Dermatology at Mercy’s interview about bruising, click here.