Why Do Old People Bruise So Easily

As a person ages, they tend to bruise more easily. People tend to bruise more easily as they age because blood vessels become weaker and the skin thins. Easy bruising may also run in families, so people whose relatives bruise easily may notice that they do as well.

Bruises are usually caused by bumping into something which ruptures the tiny capillaries under the skin leaving the area darkened. Some people bruise more easily than others, and this is indicative of fragile capillaries, poor health or an inability to create collagen.

Contributing Factors Age. The most common reasons for easy bruising aren’t a major cause for alarm. … Sun Damage. Speaking of which, people with chronic sun damage continually bruise their arms, Kasteler says. … Body Fat. … Blood-Thinners. … Exercise Level. … Alcohol Consumption. … Don’t Be Trippin’-What You Can Do. … Cool down, then heat up. … Pop over-the-counter pain relievers. … Go green. … More items…

Unexplained bruising can be the result of numerous causes from aging and vitamin deficiencies to diabetes . Random bruising could be a sign of a health issue that should be checked out. Bruising for no reason can be explained and treated. But first, we need to look at the different types of bruises and what causes them.

As you age, your skin gets thinner and loses the protective layer of fat that acts as a cushion when you bump into something. Also, your blood vessels get more fragile. Both of these things mean you get more bruises.

Why Some People Bruise More Easily Than Others Your Age. Those with thinner skin and capillaries (like the elderly) may bruise more easily because they have less tissue to protect what’s underneath. Vigorous Exercise. Photo by Clara S. … Taking Medications. … Could Indicate A Type Of Disease. …

You may begin to bruise easily if you aren’t getting enough iron. That’s because your body needs iron to keep your blood cells healthy. If your blood cells aren’t healthy, your body won’t be able to get the oxygen that it needs to function. This may make your skin more susceptible to bruising. Other symptoms of iron deficiency include:

Unexplained bruising can be the result of numerous causes from aging and vitamin deficiencies to diabetes. Random bruising could be a sign of a health issue that should be checked out. Bruising for no reason can be explained and treated.

Bruising without an injury can be a sign of diseases of the kidney, liver and blood such as hemophilia, leukemia, Hodgkin’s disease, multiple myeloma, scurvy and thrombocytopenia. Women who experience heavy periods while bruising should consult a gynecologist to rule out conditions affecting the reproductive organs.

If you have petechiae or bruising on the legs or calves that won’t heal, it could be due to a shortage of platelets . Some conditions that can cause this are: Certain medications can also affect platelet counts, such as: