Sometimes a bruise can be explained by an accidental blow that a person will not remember even a few hours later. But what to do if hematomas appear regularly, without falls, bruises or other obvious reasons? When such “symptoms” can indicate hidden disorders in the body, “Moscow Evening” learned from Tatiana Terekhova, gastroenterologist at the Andreevsky-Nepolit Hospitals Medical Center.
Causes of bruises
According to her, if bruises occur for no apparent reason, such symptoms require more careful attention. First, it is important to understand that bruises come in different forms:
- Traumatic bruises occur as a result of mechanical damage to blood vessels – after a blow, tissue compression, fall or physical activity.
- Pathological bruises appear without obvious trauma and can be associated with various changes in the functioning of the body.
The appearance of pathological bruises may be associated with serious diseases. Among the reasons the specialist mentioned:
Bleeding disorders
- Hemophilia is a hereditary disease associated with a deficiency of clotting factors.
- Von Willebrand disease.
- Thrombocytopenia – low platelet count.
- DIC syndrome (disseminated intravascular coagulation).
Lack of vitamins and microelements
- Vitamin C deficiency leads to increased fragility of the blood vessel wall, as this vitamin participates in the synthesis of collagen.
- Vitamin K deficiency affects the functioning of the blood clotting system.
The doctor added that B vitamins are also important, especially B6, B9 and 12.
Liver disease
- Liver cirrhosis.
- hepatitis;
- Fat disease.
— The liver is responsible for the synthesis of a number of proteins necessary for normal blood clotting. Terekhova explained that these diseases create the possibility of increased bleeding and increase the risk of bruising, which increases the risk of bruising.
Autoimmune diseases
- Systemic lupus erythematosus.
- Rheumatoid arthritis;
- Vasculitis.
The doctor said: “In these circumstances, inflammation of the blood vessel wall may occur, and the tendency to develop hematomas may increase.”
Other reasons
- Tumors. In some cases, bruises become a manifestation of cancer, especially when it comes to diseases of the blood system – leukemia or lymphoma.
- Endocrine disorders. For example, with hypothyroidism, metabolic and tissue repair processes slow down, and diabetes mellitus can damage the vascular wall and increase its fragility.
- varicose veins. Increased pressure within the venous system sometimes leads to damage to blood vessels and the appearance of hematomas.
- Age-related changes. With age, skin becomes thinner and capillaries more fragile, so even minimal exposure can lead to noticeable bruising.
- Taking medications. Anticoagulants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, some antibiotics, hormonal contraceptives, and medications used to treat cancer may increase your risk.
When do you see a doctor?
The doctor recommended that you do not postpone consulting your physician or hematologist if:
- Bruises appear for no apparent reason;
- Occur frequently or become multiple;
- The size of the hematomas exceeds five centimeters.
- Bruising does not go away for longer than two to three weeks;
- Bruises appear in unusual places – on the stomach, back, and face.
- They are accompanied by additional symptoms – bleeding gums, frequent nosebleeds, weakness, dizziness, pale skin, swelling or joint pain.
— To determine the cause, the doctor may prescribe laboratory diagnostics: a general blood test with platelet count, study of the blood coagulation system (prothrombin time, aPTT) and, if necessary, additional examinations. It is important to remember: one bruise is often not serious. But if hematomas appear regularly and for no apparent reason, the body can thus send a signal that it needs attention, adds the specialist.
VM also found out from a specialist what can happen if you experience pain during a blood clot.