Diseases like cancer and diabetes, as well as other medical conditions, become more prevalent as we get older. Extensive bruising secondary to vitamin C deficiency. Here are the signs you may need to see a doctor. Another indication of possible leukemia is lots of bruises with no indication as to a cause. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. However, not all bruising has a simple explanation. A lack of vitamin C allows weakens the blood vessels and causes the body to bruise easier. Authors of the report said that 90% of bruising occurs on the legs and arms and very rarely on the neck, ears, buttocks, or soles of the feet.4. Find out more about Henoch-Schnlein purpura. People who have cancers in parts of the body responsible for blood production, like the liver, may also experience unusual clotting. Bruises naturally change color over time from red, through purple, to yellow or, Bruises happen when an injury causes damage to blood vessels below the skin. Bruises are often harmless, but they can sometimes indicate a medical condition that requires medical treatment. Clotting screen (prothrombin time [PT], activated partial thromboplastin time [aPTT], and international normalized ratio [INR] if the person is taking . In rare cases, one of the following conditions may cause random bruising. Let's look at symptoms and treatments. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Some viral infections can cause a condition called thrombocytopenia that affects blood clotting. The GP should also investigate whether you might have an associated problem, such asdepression or anxiety. what is this and the cause ? Sjukratilfelli og sjukdomseinkenni [Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type IV. An approach to investigation of easy bruising. Take the mixture and pour it into a muslin bag and squeeze it into a pan. its painless and i have no idea what's the cause. Paediatr Child Health. Some cancer treatments can lead to easy bruising on the body. Be aware that certain clotting disorders may be a factor. Unexplained bruising can be the result of numerous causes from aging and vitamin deficiencies to diabetes. What is a bleeding disorder? There are various risk factors associated with random and easy bruising, such as genetics, age, and sex. A blunt trauma injury can cause your spleen to rupture. Vitamin K is needed to help blood clot properly and prevent random bruising. You and the GP may identify some lifestyle changes and goals that you both think will help relieve your symptoms, such as regular physical activity and better rest. Without enough platelets, your blood clots more slowly than normal. Autoimmune disorders occur when the body produces antibodies that attack its own tissues rather than fight infections. 7 signs and symptoms not to ignore. It should get better within 2 to 3 weeks. Other symptoms of a vitamin C deficiency include: You may begin to bruise easily if you arent getting enough iron. what would cause this? One cause of random bruising on legs or bruises that appear after a minor injury is a vitamin deficiency. Medications can also hinder the blood clotting process and inhibit platelet function. Excessive insulin can trigger hyper pigmentation in the areas of the body where there are natural folds of skin, such as the groin, armpits, and neck. When a person bruises easily, this can lead to random and unexplained bruises from everyday activities that would typically not cause bruising. Page last reviewed: 12 July 2021 One health issue that can arise from a lack of nutrients is unexplained bruising. Physical symptoms can cause depression and anxiety, and these can in turn make the physical symptoms worse, creatinga vicious circle. However, the report recommends that any unexplained bruising on an older person be investigated to rule out the possibly of abuse. It may also result from pricking the skin to test your blood sugar or injecting insulin. doi:10.17992/lbl.2012.06.440. Vitamin C supplements are also used to help reduce random bruising in patients suffering from skin diseases that cause bruising.5, According to MedlinePlus, vitamin K plays a major role in blood clotting. I have a bruise on the lower left side of my stomach near my belly button. For potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service. Vitamin deficiencies of various sorts can lead to unexplained bruises. Here are 10 easy treatments to lessen the pain and reduce the visibility. Case study and clinical findings]. It is difficult to make a diagnosis without an examination. For others, the symptoms may be part of a poorly understood syndrome, such as: The fact that doctors are unable to find a condition causing these symptoms isn't unusual in medicine, and it doesn't mean that nothing can be done to help you. A bruise is a haematoma that forms due to bleeding under intact skin into subcutaneous tissue, caused by vascular damage or injury. Thrombocytopenia in pregnancy. This bleeding disorder is a lifelong condition. Am Fam Physician. As a result, hemophilia sufferers bleed longer and bruise easier. Apply a warm, wet tea bag to the bruise two or three times a day for best results. The presentation of a fussy infant with bruising: late-onset vitamin K deficiency bleeding. Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and targeted therapy, may also lead to bruising. The result of extreme vitamin C deficiency is scurvy, which also leads to bleeding gums, fingernail and tooth loss, and heart failure. Unexplained bruising Swelling in the abdomen Spider-like red spots on your skin Enlarged breasts Fatigue Confusion Yellowing of skin and eyes Vomiting blood Dark stools Your liver has many functions, including helping in digestion, removing waste from the body, and producing certain proteins. Chamomile essential oil, and Roman chamomile, in particular, is often used for its anti-inflammatory properties. The bruise doesnt heal within two weeks. If your blood cells arent healthy, your body wont be able to get the oxygen that it needs to function. Older adults often experience random bruising as part of the natural aging process. A bruise is also known as a contusion. eMedicineHealth. Bruises typically turn yellow or green roughly five to 10 days after your injury and do so because the body produces specific compounds to break down the blood that has gathered in the area. Disclaimer: Results are not guaranteed*** and may vary from person to person***. WebMD. Side effects: Anticoagulant medicines. Hemophilia is a genetic condition wherein people lack either clotting factor VIII or IX, resulting in excessive bruising. But, there are a couple of essential oils that work particularly well with bruises. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Doctors from the Mayo Clinic explain that aging causes the protective fatty layer in the skin to become thinner. This is because women have more fragile blood vessels and may bruise more easily on their legs, upper arms, or buttocks. What are bruises? A poor diet can affect health in a number of negative ways, and vitamin deficiencies can contribute to random bruising. 2018;11(1):13-18. You may be referred for a talking therapy, such ascognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). When you combine this with everything mentioned above, bruises begin to be a more likely and repeated occurrence. It can cause excessive bleeding which leads to easy bruising. Vitamin C and K deficiencies can also be responsible for petechial rash or purpura which look like flat tiny red, brown, or purple spots on the skin (petechiae) or larger ones (purpura). Viral infections can also cause random bruising on legs that is unexplained. A black eye is bruising and swelling around your eye, usually caused by a blow to the area, such as a punch or fall. Heart failure: Could a low sodium diet sometimes do more harm than good? NHLBI. a rash that looks like small bruises or reddish-purple spots (this may be less obvious on brown or black skin) joint pain; tummy (abdominal) pain; diarrhoea; being sick; blood in urine or poo; Henoch-Schnlein purpura is not usually serious and often gets better without treatment. Meanwhile, vitamin K deficiency can contribute to significant bleeding, poor bone development, and cardiovascular disease. Keeping an eye out for other unusual symptoms may help you determine if theres an underlying cause. I have a bruise on my stomach where my appendix should be.. should i be worried? This can cause blood vessels to burst and leak blood into the surrounding area. They typically arise due to an underlying health condition such as diabetes. Tea bags, specifically black tea bags, can help heal a bruise faster. This can help speed up the healing process. Thrombophilia means that your blood has an increased tendency to clot. If you have diabetes, its important to manage it properly. What is the latest research on the form of cancer Jimmy Carter has? Vora, A., & Makris, M. (2001). Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. Please note, we cannot prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other abusable medications. Yes: Yes, it is possible, but should not happen. (2016). Doctors typically provide answers within 24 hours. Although being in the sun is necessary to help the body produce vitamin D, too much sun exposure can damage your skin and cause you to bruise easily. For example, hemophilia and Willebrand disease affect the bloods ability to clot and can cause bleeding and excessive bruising resulting in black or dark skin patches. It is known for being able to keep blood inside a blood vessel, even after an injury has occurred. The condition can lead to bruising that lasts longer than normal because of the way it affects wound healing. Also known as blood poisoning, sepsis requires immediate emergency treatment. A fresh bruise will usually appear red, blue, or purple. Without enough platelets, the blood has trouble clotting. Possible causes of medically unexplained symptoms MacDonald E, Price V, Ramsey S, McLaughlin R. A 15-year-old boy with anemia and leg bruising. Bruising or bleeding that is unexplained Lumps or swellings Shortness of breath (breathlessness) Drenching night sweats Infections that are persistent, recurrent or severe Fever (38C or above) that is unexplained Rash or itchy skin that is unexplained Pain in your bones, joints or abdomen (stomach area) Mayo Clinic Staff. Bruising often occurs when blood vessels beneath the skin incur. A ruptured spleen can be a life threatening condition and requires immediate attention. UW Health. So, this makes it easier for the body to bruise. This is called dermatoporosis. See a doctor or other healthcare provider right away if you experience any of the following: Last medically reviewed on November 9, 2018. Many people have persistent physical complaints, such as dizziness or pain, that don't appear to be symptoms of a medical condition. We avoid using tertiary references. Mix a few drops of chamomile essential oil with a carrier oil like almond or coconut oil. But if you have a something on the horizon where a bruise might be a drawback, you may want to know how to heal a bruise a little bit quicker. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. In some people, random bruising may be impacted by their genes simply because of how they are physically built. This means that elderly people are more prone to random bruising than younger adults.3, According to a report prepared by the University of California, elderly people may also be less stable on their feet and can bump into objects frequently causing accidental bruising. Bruising for no reason can be explained and treated. Add the olive oil to a pan and drop in the comfrey leaves. Blood thinners prevent this clotting, which makes it easier for bruises to develop following minor injuries because of the excessive pooling of blood underneath the skin. As the days go by, the blood in the bruise breaks down further and should turn a purple color (and in some cases, even black). Read More Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Bruises, eMedicine Health; http://www.emedicinehealth.com/bruises/article_em.htm, last accessed August 28, 2017. If youre undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatments, you may have low blood platelet counts (thrombocytopenia). Amitrano, L. et al., Coagulation disorders in liver disease, Seminars in Liver Disease, February 2002; 22(1): 83-96. Most bruises form when small blood vessels (capillaries) near the skin's surface are broken by the impact of a blow or injury often on the arms or legs. Bruises look like big purple spots with clear edges, and you're younger than 65. In this article, you will find out what could be causing random bruising on your legs and other body parts, and in some cases, how to get rid of the bruise quickly. The fatty layer of our skin begins to thin as we get older. Warm applications tend to dissolve this type of clot. The website Drugs.com warns that long-term overexposure to the suns harmful UV rays can cause the skin to bruise easily on exposed areas. WebMD. The purple and black phase usually occurs within two or three days. This occurs in 4.4% to 11.6% of pregnancies. Sex can also affect bruising as women tend to bruise more easily than men. But what about more subtle symptoms? It is impossible to completely prevent bruising. (2017). (2017). Broken blood vessels on the face can happen to anyone at any age. You can read about these treatments in my article on how to get rid of bruises naturally. Management typically involves psychiatric treatment. I would recommend being seen. The first is that the disease itself may cause the bruise. Anticoagulants (blood thinners) and over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications like aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil), and naproxen (Aleve) affect your bloods ability to clot. You have severe pain in the bruised part of your body. When the bruise turns yellow, its because more bilirubin is responsible for breaking down the blood and when it turns green, it is the action of biliverdin. Other common causes of blood spots include low blood platelets, blood clotting disorders, inflammation in the blood vessels, and vitamin C deficiency. Rochelle Collins, DO, is board-certified in family medicine. Although in rare cases random bruising can be a sign of a serious condition, the bruising will be accompanied by many other symptoms. Ehlers-Danlos syndromes are a group of hereditary health conditions that negatively affect the function and structure of connective tissues such as the skin, joints, and walls of the blood vessels. suggest a visit to your, Yes since you inject in this site very common to injure the. Bleeding and bruising. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Whenever this blood gets trapped under the surface of the skin, it will form a bruise. Learn how we can help. For example, being in the sun too long, aging, or a vitamin deficiency can weaken small blood vessels near the skin's surface. The bumps usually heal on their own within 3 to 8 weeks without leaving a scar. Other symptoms of vitamin K deficiency include: If you suspect that your bruising is a result of deficiency, see a healthcare provider. My husband woke up this morning with a bruise on the lower left of his stomach he did not hit anything what could be the cause. Various autoimmune diseases can be a reason why you are bruising easily and cant find the reason for it. Here's what might be causing them and how theyre treated. Bruises range in size, shape and color depending on the type of bruise, cause and location. Common medically unexplained symptoms include: About 1 in 4 people who see a GP have physical symptoms that cannot be explained. But what does unexplained bruising mean? Random bruising on your legs (as well as on other body parts) can cause unsightly skin discoloration as a result of a mild trauma or injury. It is more commonly associated with specific insects. Bleeding disorders occur when the blood doesnt clot as it should. 5. Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia). Dr. Blahd says that if you have no other symptoms, then random bruising is nothing to worry about. This can result in random bruising or larger bruises from trauma to the skin.3. To learn more, please visit our. Bruises that take longer than usual to disappear are another concern. For the most part, a bruise will heal on its own within two to four weeks. If the liver is affected by a disease, it can impact the production of those chemicals and influence blood clotting, allowing the body to bruise easier. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There is also the issue of acanthosis nigricans. AAFP. Not understanding the causecan make them even more distressing and difficult to cope with. J Am Acad Dermatol. What Do Your PT/INR and PTT Results Mean? Drug-induced liver disease. Thats because your body needs iron to keep your blood cells healthy. Taking certain medications and growing older are often at the root of the problem. Other common symptoms of a bleeding disorder include: Sepsis is an infection that causes a buildup of toxins in the blood or tissues. should i be concerned? Pour the contents into a sealable jar. But, the simpler explanations may surprise you. (2016). However, if a person experiences other symptoms alongside random bruising, further investigation may be necessary. Bleeding disorders may cause large bruises to develop without any explanation. Cardiovascular health: Insomnia linked to greater risk of heart attack. Sign Up for the Latest Health News and Tips, Home General Health Unexplained Bruising: Causes, Diabetes Connection & the Life-Cycle of a Bruise. Read on to learn more about common causes, what to watch for, and when to see a doctor. Tannins can help contract the blood vessels which in turn can help heal a bruise quicker. Along with the discoloration associated with a bruise, hematomas can also cause the area to feel hard or firm to the touch. DOI: 10.1136/bcr.08.2008.0750. Managing stressis very important because it's been linked to problems such as pain and IBS. 2019;35(4):e70-e71. Start with an ice pack wrapped in a towel (not directly on the skin). For example, a person should see a doctor if: Occasional bruising is rarely a cause for concern. I have a small bruising on my stomach with a small lump under it. However, there are early warning signs of diabetes that can indicate you are at risk for developing the disease. When certain blood vessels are damaged, blood platelets bind together to repair the issue. Add the beeswax to the mixture and stir over low heat until the beeswax melts. Hills, J., How to Get Rid of Bruises Naturally (According to Research), Healthy and Natural World; http://www.healthyandnaturalworld.com/get-rid-of-bruises/, last accessed August 28, 2017. Bruises happen when an injury causes blood to leak into the skin. Harvard Health Publishing Harvard Medical School. Although the specific protein involved in this disorder is different than the one associated with hemophilia A, the conditions share the same symptoms. HealthTap uses cookies to enhance your site experience and for analytics and advertising purposes. The presentation of a fussy infant with bruising: late-onset vitamin K deficiency bleeding. There are many natural home remedies you can use to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and help bruises heal faster. Also runners or joggers toenail is one of the most common reasons for bruised toenails as the toe pushes against the front of the shoe while running or jogging. As noted in the previous section, the fatty layer of your skin begins to disappear as you get older, giving the blood cells underneath it less protection from various physical causes of bruising. Bruising in the geriatric population. For the most part, bruises will eventually heal on their own. Some studies suggest that certain dietary supplements such as fish oil, garlic, and ginseng may also be factors in bleeding and bruising. Read on to learn more about unexplained bruising, what causes it, and when to seek medical attention. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. If you think you have an underlying condition that's been missed by your doctor, you can ask for a second opinion. Bruises on the torso, back, or face could especially be a concern. The possible benefits of medicine always need to be weighed against the potential side effects. This can also help you to determine if you should see a doctor about unexplained bruises that have appeared on your body. St. John, T., The Changing Colors of Bruises and What They Mean, Symptom Find, May 7, 2016; https://www.symptomfind.com/health/changing-colors-bruises-and-what-they-mean/, last accessed August 28, 2017. A hematoma is what you might refer to as a goose egg. A lot of damaged blood cells collects and clots under the skin, raising it into a lump or bump. Next review due: 12 July 2024, Learn about breathing exercises for stress, what your symptoms are like, when they started and what makes them better or worse, what you think is the cause of your symptoms and your expectations of how tests and treatments might help, how your symptoms affect what you can do what they stop you doing, how upsetting your symptoms are how they make you feel. Random bruising may happen without a clear cause or injury. (2018). Bruising: Spontaneous signs of bruising (ecchymoses) can occur after taking aspirin or Aleve (naproxen) or with certain blood or liver disorders. Vitamins and minerals: What you should know about essential nutrients. According to Dr. Debra Jaliman on WebMD, vigorous exercise like lifting weights or intensive training can cause tiny tears in blood vessels under the skin.10. People that are active should take special precautions while participating in physical activities to prevent injuries that could lead to bruises. Chronic skin fragility of aging: current concepts in the pathogenesis, recognition, and management of dermatoporosis. Learn more about these serious fractures, how theyre treated, and what to expect. Bernard-Soulier syndrome is a rare, inherited blood clotting disorder. But first, we need to look at the different types of bruises and what causes them. Best food forward: Are algae the future of sustainable nutrition? Unexplained leg bruising can be due to liver disease, nutritional deficiencies, autoimmune conditions, and other disorders. What Are These Tiny Red Spots on My Skin (Petechiae)? This condition occurs when your body makes too much or too little clotting chemicals. How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0019483216300074, https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/bernard-soulier-syndrome, https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/bleeding-bruising, https://www.leukaemiacare.org.uk/support-and-information/latest-from-leukaemia-care/blog/spotting-the-difference-bruising-in-leukaemia-vs-ordinary-bruising/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6dC6woaY6gIV0u7tCh1REQm5EAAYASAAEgLGyPD_BwE, https://ashpublications.org/blood/article/130/21/2271/36666/Thrombocytopenia-in-pregnancy, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5394486/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK536983/, https://online.nursing.georgetown.edu/the-forensic-science-behind-bruise-healing-infographic/, https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/factor-v-deficiency, https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/6481/gardner-diamond-syndrome, https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/immune-thrombocytopenia, https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/632, https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/prednisolone/, https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/conditions-and-treatments/conditions-we-treat/septicaemia, https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/are-you-taking-too-much-anti-inflammatory-medication-2018040213540, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/anticoagulants/side-effects/, https://liverfoundation.org/for-patients/about-the-liver/the-progression-of-liver-disease/, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/septicemia, https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/vwd/facts.html, https://aakp.org/whats-causing-me-to-bruise-so-easily-and-what-i-do-to-prevent-it/. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Most bruises are nothing to worry about and will heal within a couple of weeks. 2017;22(7):365-366. doi:10.1093/pch/pxx139, Wolpert K, Szadkowski M, Miescier M, Hewes HA. Unexplained bruising causes in older adults is really the culmination of numerous factors that tend to occur once you get older and begin to reach elderly status. Intensive exercising can cause unexplained bruises in the parts of your body under stress. Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere. In adults with unexplained bruising, bleeding, petechiae, or hepatosplenomegaly consider arranging: A very urgent full blood count including platelet count (within 48 hours) and blood film. Widespread bruising or petechial rash would be concernin Dr. John Munshower and another doctor agree. Bruises and blood spots under the skin. Your doctor may recommend controlling diabetes with diet or prescribe you medication. Skin manifestations of Cushing's syndrome. Vitamin K is one of the nutrients that help blood to clot. Researchers are expressing concerns over the number of bicycle accidents involving drugs. The American Cancer Society says that leukemia can cause a number of symptoms including weight loss, constant tiredness, recurrent infections, and unexplained bleeding.22. There are two types of bruises that you should be aware ofecchymosis and hematoma. Certain medications make you more susceptible to bruising. This is because they lower the amount of platelets in the blood. Anticoagulants used for dialysis, as well as the anemia caused by kidney disease, can cause low platelet production. This can help reduce the swelling as well as the coloring of the bruise. Using intervals of ice and heat can help ease the pain of a bruise and get the healing process started. That is one reason why some people shouldnt take turmeric regularly for medicinal purposes. Usually, bruises disappear in about two weeks. Certain medications and supplements do carry with them the side effect of easier and random bruising. Also, supplements like ginkgo biloba, ginger, turmeric, St Johns Wort have blood-thinning properties and may make you bruise easily. This can be done by wearing protective gear while you play sports or engage in other physical activities that could lead to bruising. Some people also bruise more easily than others and a seemingly insignificant knock may leave a black and blue dark patch on their skin. Diabetes is a metabolic condition that affects your bodys ability to produce or use insulin. any help? Bruising of Legs: Causes, Remedies, and Prevention, Bruised Elbow (Elbow Contusion) Symptoms and Treatment Tips. 2016;17(3):283-286. doi:10.1007/s11154-016-9399-3, Gudmundsdottir SA, Moller PH, Arngrimsson R. Ehlers-Danlos-heilkenni af gerd IV. 2012;98(6):355-359. If NHL spreads to the bone marrow, it can reduce the number of blood cells in your body. Achilles Tendon Rupture: Symptoms to Look For, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, Ruptured Spleen: Symptoms and Treatment in Adults and Children, Drug-Related Bicycle Accidents Drawing Concerns, a crawling or tingling feeling in your legs, cravings to eat things that are not food, such as ice, dirt, or clay, excessive bleeding from punctures or wounds, tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands or feet, severe bleeding after injuries, dental work, or surgeries, nosebleeds that last longer than 10 minutes, a cough, difficulty swallowing, or breathlessness (if the lymphoma is in the chest area), indigestion, stomach pain, or weight loss (if the lymphoma is in the stomach or bowel), excessive bleeding after injury, surgery, or childbirth, purple stretch marks on the breasts, arms, abdomen, and thighs, fatty tissue deposits in the face and upper back, a bruise that increases in size over time, a bruise that doesnt change within two weeks, severe night sweats (that soak through your clothes), unusually heavy periods or large blood clots in menstrual flow. Whats Causing Broken Blood Vessels on My Face? This can cause your platelet count to drop, which will impact your bloods ability to clot and lead to easy bruising and bleeding. Required for collagen production, boosting the immune system, and maintaining antioxidant activity, vitamin C is versatile and vital to health. Bruising in leukaemia VS ordinary bruising. The forensic science behind bruise healing [Infographic]. She has been educated in both psychology and journalism, and her dual education has given her the research and writing skills needed to deliver sound and engaging content in the health space. Vitamin deficiencies of various sorts can lead to unexplained bruises. 1999 Aug;41(2 Pt 1):207-8. Leukaemia and myeloma happen when there are too many abnormal cells in the blood and bone marrow (where blood cells are made). Liver disease may also make legs swell and cause intestinal bleeding.18. First of all, lets look at what bruises are and what is the main cause of random bruising. If you are able to, you can also keep the bruise elevated above the heart to prevent further blood pooling.