This is a fairly difficult question to answer. If you are more physically active than the average person, your risk of getting various nicks and bruises increases. If you aren’t very active, though, and you are ending up with lots of unexplained bruises, it can be a sign that something else is up.

Read on to learn more from our AFC Urgent Care Easley team!

What Is a Bruise?

Before learning what may cause frequent bruising, it’s important to know what a bruise actually is. Bruising happens when an injury crushes small blood vessels so that they break open and leak under the skin; however, the injury doesn’t break the skin itself.

Most bruises last for about two weeks, but deeper bruises can take months to go away. If you get a bruise, we’ve listed some helpful ways to treat it below.

Ways to Treat a Bruise

• Cold compress. If bruising has caused pain and swelling, cold compress is step one. Remember to put a barrier, such as a towel or cloth, between the cold object and skin. Place the compress on your child’s skin for up to 20 minutes at a time.
• Elevation. If an arm or leg is involved, elevate the limb and apply a cold compress for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, or until the swelling is reduced.
• Over-the-counter medication, such as acetaminophen.

Why Do I Bruise Often?

Like we said earlier, being highly active can lead to more bumps and bruises. In other cases, though, certain underlying conditions like vitamin deficiencies or blood disorders could be the culprit.

Additionally, some people have a low platelet count, which will contribute to more bruising and bleeding, due to the fact that having fewer platelets causes slow blood clotting after injuries. If you experience any of the symptoms below, don’t hesitate to visit our AFC team to learn more about why you may be bruising often.

Reasons to Visit the Doctor for Bruising

• You suddenly begin bruising more easily than before.
• You have other symptoms, such as yellow skin, a fever, low energy or skin changes.
• You are taking medication and begin bruising more easily.
• You get many painful bruises that are very slow to heal.

We’re here for you now and always! Don’t hesitate to visit our AFC Urgent Care Easley team today.