Bruising is bleeding that occurs underneath the surface of the skin. Normally, it is usually caused by injury. In patients with bleeding disorder s, however, bruising may occur spontaneously or with minimal injury. Since bruises are formed from clotted blood, they tend to start out as dark or reddish shadowing close to the surface of the skin. As the trapped blood is broken down and absorbed by the body, it changes color -- typically to green and yellow -- because of chemical changes in the blood. Smaller contusion s tend to resolve in a few weeks, but larger and deeper ones can take months to heal.
In the case of spontaneous bruising or bruising with minimal injury, a workup for bleeding disorder s may be advised. Indicative symptoms include gums that bleed easily, persistent gum bleeding after dental procedures, and bleeding into the joints. Causes include hemophilia , Von Willebrand's disease , and liver disease.
Certain medications often cause easy bruising in normal individuals. Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin ) and Naprosyn are common examples. Additionally, chronic use of corticosteroid medications (such as prednisone), used to treat emphysema or asthma , can also cause easy bruising. Certain types of birth control pills may also cause easy bruising as well
