ADVERTISEMENT
Do you discover a blue on your arm or leg without remembering a shock? If this happens to you frequently, it is normal to ask questions.
Spontaneous bruising may have several origins, some benign, others more worrying. So when do you have to worry and see a doctor? Let us together decipher the possible causes and solutions to limit these unexpected marks.
How are the blues formed?
The bruises, or bruising, appear when a small blood vessel (capillary) breaks under the skin, allowing the blood to accumulate. Usually this occurs after a shock, but in some cases these coloured spots arise for no apparent reason.
A vascular fragility, a deficiency of vitamins or a coagulation disorder may be involved. Let's look at it.
What are the possible causes of spontaneous bruising?
Increased capillary fragility
With age or genetic predisposition, the walls of blood vessels may become thinner and more fragile. Simple friction or light pressure may be sufficient to cause a blue.
What to do?
Adopt a vitamin C diet, which strengthens the blood vessels and promotes their elasticity.
A lack of essential vitamins
Vitamin C deficiency (necessary for collagen production) or vitamin K (involved in blood clotting) may make the skin more prone to bruising.
What to do?
Eat citrus, peppers, broccoli and green vegetables such as spinach to strengthen your body.
Side effects of certain medicines
Some medicines make the blood more fluid, increasing the risk of bruising, even after mild contact. Among them:
Aspirin,
Anticoagulants,
Anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, corticosteroids, etc.).
What to do?
If you notice an increase in bruising since taking a treatment, talk to your doctor.
Coagulation disorders
Diseases such as haemophilia or thrombocytopenia (low blood platelet count) prevent the blood from clotting normally. The bruises then appear more easily and take longer to disappear.
When to worry?
If your bruises are numerous and extensive.
If accompanied by unexplained bleeding (gums, nose).
A problem with the liver
The liver plays a key role in the production of coagulation proteins. When it does not work well (liver disease, cirrhosis, etc.), the risk of spontaneous bruising increases.
