Healthy aging: Over 50 (12)
- DHEA: Evidence for anti-aging claims is weak
- Sexual health and aging: Keep the passion alive
- Senior sex: Tips for older men
- see all in Healthy aging: Over 50
Healthy retirement (6)
- Memory loss: 7 tips to improve your memory
- Driver safety: Top 7 tips for older drivers
- Aging: What to expect as you get older
- see all in Healthy retirement
Dependent seniors (1)
- Home care services: Questions to ask
Mayo Clinic Health Manager
Get free personalized health guidance for you and your family.
Get Started
About our e-newsletters
- Free e-newsletters
- Mayo Clinic expertise
- We do not share your e-mail address
Housecall, our weekly general-interest e-newsletter, keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics with timely, reliable, practical information, recipes, blogs, questions and answers with Mayo Clinic experts and more. Our biweekly topic-specific e-newsletters also include blogs, questions and answers with Mayo Clinic experts, and other useful information that will help you manage your health.
Housecall Archives
Mayo Clinic Housecall
Stay up to date on the latest health information.
What you get
- Free weekly e-newsletter
- Mayo Clinic expertise
- Recipes, tools and other helpful information
- We do not share your e-mail address
continued:
Easy bruising: Common as you age
When bruises indicate more serious problems
Bruising may also indicate something more serious, such as a blood-clotting problem or a blood disease. See your doctor if:
- You have unusually large or painful bruises, particularly if your bruises seem to develop for no known reason
- You're bruising easily and you're experiencing abnormal bleeding elsewhere, such as from your nose, gums or intestinal tract
- You have no history of bruising but suddenly experience bruises, particularly if you recently started a new medication
These signs and symptoms can indicate that you have low levels — or abnormal function — of platelets, components of blood that help it clot after an injury. To diagnose the cause of your bruising, your doctor may check your blood platelet levels or do tests that measure the ability of your blood to coagulate.
Other serious causes of bruising include domestic violence or abuse. If a loved one has an unexplainable bruise, particularly in an unusual location such as around the eye or face, inquire about the possibility of abuse.
Avoiding bruises
Once a bruise has formed, not much can be done to treat it. Most eventually disappear as your body reabsorbs the blood.
If swelling is associated with the bruising, applying a cold compress for 20 minutes at a time and elevating the affected area may help. After the swelling has gone down, a warm compress may speed removal of the blood.
To prevent minor bruising, eliminate household clutter that could cause bumps or falls. Long-sleeved shirts and pants may provide an extra layer of protection for your skin. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun to help you avoid its aging effects and the increased bruising risk that may result.
If the sight of your bruises bothers you, try covering them with makeup until they've healed.
Previous page(2 of 2)
- Skin care and aging. National Institute on Aging. http://www.niapublications.org/agepages/PDFs/Skin_Care_And_Aging.pdf. Accessed March 11, 2009.
- Coller BS, et al. Clinical evaluation of hemorrhagic disorders: The bleeding history and differential diagnosis of purpura. In: Hoffman R, et al. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingstone; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/125159584-5/0/1854/1361.html?tocnode=56226558&fromURL=1361.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-443-06715-0..50123-0_4470. Accessed March 11, 2009.
- Mature skin. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.aad.org/public/Publications/pamphlets/MatureSkin.htm. Accessed March 11, 2009.
- Ballas M, et al. Bleeding and bruising: A diagnostic work-up. American Family Physician. 2008;77:1117.
- Habif TP. Therapy and topical corticosteroids. In: Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby; 2004. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/125159584-17/0/1195/6.html?tocnode=51439871&fromURL=6.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-01319-8..50004-2_24. Accessed March 11, 2009.
- Korman NJ. Macular, papular, vesiculobullous and pustular diseases. In: Goldman E, et al. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier Saunders; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/125159584-21/0/1492/1558.html?tocnode=54631981&fromURL=1558.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2805-5..50470-5_20181. Accessed March 11, 2009.
- Fish oil. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed March 11, 2009.
- Ginkgo. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed March 11, 2009.
