Bruising |
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You do not
need to be clumsy to develop an unsightly
bruise and you do not need to have sensitive
skin to bruise as easily as a peach. Bruising
is one of the most common injuries from
which all individuals suffer, but it is
most commonly observed among children
and the elderly.
Bruises or contusions
are typically the result of some degree
of injury to the capillaries or blood
vessels in the skin. When injured, the
tiny capillaries in the affected area
become cracked. As a result they break
open and blood leaks under the skin,
resulting in the darkening of the area.
Bruising only occurs if the skin does
not break from the injury. It can develop
in any part of the body, but the arms
and legs are the most common areas of
development. A bruise on a leg will
usually require a longer time to heal
than a bruise on the face or arms.
Bruises are only
a matter of serious concern if they
do not heal within one to two weeks
of formation.
Causes and Risk Factors
Bruising
is most commonly caused as the result
of an injury from a fall or a bump.
The following are some of the causes
and risk factors of bruising:
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Age
-The
capillaries become more fragile
as age increases. The skin becomes
thinner and the amount of fat underneath
the skin decreases which in turn
depletes the amount of adequate
cushioning. The skin also loses
its elasticity and its ability to
recover quickly after an injury.
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Blood
- Clotting
Problems- Individuals who have an
impaired blood clotting system have
a higher risk of developing severe
bruises on injuries, whether the
injuries are small or large. Patients
of Hemophilia and liver cirrhosis
are among patients with impaired
blood blotting systems. |
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Medications
and supplements - Certain
medicines such as Aspirin and Warfarin,
and dietary supplements such as
fish oil, ginkgo, ginger and garlic
have a blood thinning effect and
may increase the chances of developing
bruises. |
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Inadequate
platelet levels -
Platelets are the essential components
that facilitate coagulation of blood.
An insufficient platelet count can
aggravate the problem of bruising. |
|
Nutrient
Deficiency - Deficiency
of certain nutrients in the body
like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin
K, bioflavonoids and zinc increases
the risk of bruising.
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