It affects approximately 12% of individuals over 50 and up to 30% of those 75 and older. It causes dark purple lesions, usually on the arms and hands, which may appear after minor injuries but last longer than typical bruises. These lesions are more common in individuals with light skin, although they can affect anyone. There are certain preventative measures that can be taken, including using sun protection and avoiding injury. While not linked to serious health issues, it may increase the risk of skin tears and bruising easily.
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This risk escalates with age, as natural capillary weakening due to aging compounds the effects of alcohol. Excessive alcohol consumption doesn’t just affect the liver; it silently wages war on your blood vessels, particularly the delicate capillaries. These microscopic vessels, thinner than a human hair, are responsible for delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues throughout your body. Alcohol acts as a double-edged sword, weakening capillary walls and impairing their ability to constrict properly. This one-two punch significantly increases the likelihood of bruising, even from minor bumps or pressure. Heavy alcohol consumption increases the risk of can alcohol cause bruising various cancers, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
- I’ve personally used arnica gel before and find that it really does work for me.
- Secondly, alcohol acts as a vasodilator, causing blood vessels to relax and expand.
- These conditions combined can lead to coagulopathy (bruising and bleeding even with the slightest trauma).
- Check with your doctor before using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like aspirin or ibuprofen, because these can make bleeding and bruising worse.
Alcohol’s Impact on Blood Vessels: Weakens capillaries, increasing bruising susceptibility
- He is a best selling author and the founder of the Holt Institute of Medicine.
- But it’s possible to restore healthier skin with a thoughtful recovery plan.
- You can stop bruising from alcohol by following these guidelines.
- However, alcohol can increase the likelihood and severity of bruising in all skin types.
- Your body’s ability to form a proper clot can be affected if you don’t have enough platelets (low platelet count) or they aren’t functioning properly.
- Easy bruising may also run in families, so individuals whose relatives bruise easily may notice that they do too.
If you have concerns about alcohol-related bruising or experience frequent bruising, consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and guidance. How https://ecosoberhouse.com/ much you drink matters greatly—chronic heavy use carries far higher risk than occasional moderate consumption. Mixing alcohol with medications that thin your blood amplifies chances of extensive bruising dangerously.
at Foods Rich In Vitamin K
Excessive or unexplained bruising, including alcohol-induced bruising, should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out underlying health issues. And since the liver controls blood clotting, alcohol-related liver disease can cause increased bruising, as well. Heavy drinking often leads to poor nutrition or vitamin deficiencies, especially vitamin C and K. These nutrients are vital for blood vessel strength and clotting, so their lack contributes to easier bruising when drinking alcohol.
Blood pooling and clotting beneath the surface causes skin discoloration. People who run regularly may get something called a stone bruise (metatarsalgia). This is swelling and tenderness where your toe bones connect on the bottom of your foot. With a stone bruise, you may notice pain or tenderness when you press on that point on your foot, pull up on your toes, or flex your foot upward. It can be caused by wearing old or worn-out shoes while you train, running or walking on hard surfaces like concrete, or training for too long. You can help speed your recovery if you use a cushion or gel doughnut when you sit down because this takes the pressure off your tailbone.

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Yes, drinking alcohol makes you bruise easier because it widens blood vessels, making tiny capillaries more fragile. This vasodilation increases the likelihood of these vessels breaking from minor bumps or pressure that wouldn’t normally cause bruising. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines moderate drinking as Halfway house up to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men. Exceeding these amounts regularly increases the risk of vascular damage and nutritional deficiencies linked with easy bruising. This widening makes capillaries more fragile and prone to rupture from minor bumps or even pressure that wouldn’t normally cause bruising.
Eggs are an excellent source of protein and also contain vitamin K. Incorporate eggs into your breakfast routine with omelets or sunny-side-up options, which can boost your nutrient intake. Spinach and kale can be blended into smoothies or used in salads to boost your intake.
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If you do play a contact sport, make sure you have the proper gear, such as a helmet or shoulder or knee pads. Curednation is truly cares about the well-being of their Patients. If you’re ready to take the first step on your road to recovery, we’re here for you. Please book an appointment with us today, and let’s get you back to where you want to be. The bruises themselves aren’t dangerous, but the reason that causes them is.
Blood-thinning medications may cause a person to bleed and bruise more. This article explains why some people may bruise more easily than others. At Easy Healthy Foods, we believe that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated. Our platform is your trusted resource for simple, delicious recipes and practical kitchen advice, all designed to make nutritious living effortless and enjoyable. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or experimenting with new flavors, we’re here to inspire and support your journey. “When it comes to supplements that cause easy bruising, talk to your doctor to see if you really need to take them,” advised Klein.
A doctor can diagnose nutritional deficiencies with a blood test. “As collagen and fat decrease, the blood vessels lose the cushioning that once protected them from injuries,” Klein said. As a result, vessels become damaged more easily and leak blood that pools under the skin, causing a bruise.
