BE CAREFUL if you get these bruises on your body, it means you have Ca… Read more

It’s **why are they happening, how often are they occurring, and are there other symptoms?** ## What Exactly Is a Bruise? A bruise, medically called a contusion, develops when small blood vessels beneath the skin are damaged. Blood escapes from those vessels and collects in nearby tissue. At first, a bruise may look red or purple. As the body breaks down and reabsorbs the blood, its color can change. It may become blue, green, yellow, or brown before eventually disappearing. A bruise can happen after an obvious injury, such as bumping your leg against furniture. But sometimes the impact is so minor that you don’t remember it. This is particularly common on the arms and legs. ## Why Do Some People Bruise More Easily? There are many possible explanations. Age is one. As people get older, the skin generally becomes thinner and the protective fatty layer beneath the skin decreases. Blood vessels can therefore become more vulnerable to minor trauma. Certain medications can also increase the likelihood of bruising. Blood-thinning medications, including some anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs, can make bleeding under the skin easier. Some supplements and other medications can also affect bleeding. This is why someone who suddenly develops more bruises should consider whether anything has recently changed—including medications. Never stop a prescribed medication simply because you are bruising. Talk with the prescribing clinician first. ## Can Bruising Be Related to Cancer? Sometimes. Certain cancers, particularly cancers affecting the blood and bone marrow, can interfere with normal blood-cell production. Platelets are especially important because they help blood clot. When platelet levels become too low, a person may bruise or bleed more easily. The National Cancer Institute notes that low platelet counts can cause increased bruising or bleeding and tiny red or purple spots on the skin called petechiae. Some forms of leukemia can also produce easy bruising or bleeding. For example, the National Cancer Institute lists easy bruising or bleeding among possible symptoms of acute lymphoblastic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia. But there is a crucial distinction: