multiple bruises appearing without injury persistent or unusually large bruises bruises that take an unusually long time to heal bruising in unusual locations, such as face or trunk recurrent bruises accompanied by other symptoms like fatigue, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or joint pain bruising associated with swelling or severe pain unexplained bruising in a child or infant unexplained bruises in the elderly or frail individuals taking blood‑thinning medication (“blood thinners”) unexplained bruising along with weight loss, fever, or night sweats unexplained bruising that appears after starting new medications or supplements bruising coupled with a family history of bleeding or clotting disorders
If any of these scenarios apply, it is important to consult a healthcare provider for evaluation.
Possible Underlying Causes of Unexplained Bruises
- Minor Trauma or Accidental Bumps
Even when you don’t recall hitting or bumping into something, minor unremembered trauma can cause bruises. Elderly people, those with poor vision, or individuals with decreased mobility may be more prone to unnoticed injuries. Thinner skin, which commonly occurs as we age, leads to capillaries being more fragile and vulnerable to rupture. - Medications and Supplements
Certain medications increase susceptibility to bruising. These include anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin, heparin), antiplatelet agents (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel), corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), nonsteroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and topical or systemic steroids. Herbal supplements—such as ginkgo biloba, garlic, fish oil, vitamin E, and high‑dose niacin—may also impair clotting mechanisms or thin the blood.