Health Tip: If You Bruise Easily

(HealthDay News) — A bruise typically forms when small blood vessels near the skin’s surface break from an injury, says Mayo Clinic. Blood then leaks from the vessels, appearing as a black-and-blue mark. Some people are more prone to bruising than others.

Bruising easily may be triggered by:

  • Gender and age-related factors.
  • Aspirin and other medications that affect clotting.
  • Use of corticosteroid medication.
  • Dietary supplements, such as ginkgo.

Sometimes, bruising easily can indicate a serious blood-clotting condition. Mayo Clinic urges people to see a doctor if bruising is frequent or sudden, or if there is a family history of bruising easily.