It is common to get occasional bruises from minor injuries. However, you can also develop bruises from more serious health conditions, including varicose veins and leukemia.

Black and blue marks are often associated with bruises, although the appearance can differ based on your skin tone. A bruise, or contusion, appears on the skin due to trauma. Examples of trauma are a cut or a blow to an area of the body. The injury causes tiny blood vessels called capillaries to burst. Blood gets trapped below the skin’s surface, which causes a bruise.

Bruises can occur at any age. Some bruises appear with very little pain, and you might not notice them. While bruises are common, it’s important to know your treatment options and whether your condition warrants emergency medical attention.

There are three types of bruises based on their location on your body:

  • subcutaneous, bruises occur just beneath the skin
  • intramuscular, bruises occur in the underlying muscles
  • periosteal, bruises occur on the bones

Common causes of bruises include:

Health conditions that can cause bruising

Most bruises are caused by physical injury, but some underlying conditions may make bruising more common.

This includes:

Deep vein thrombosis is a serious condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein located deep inside the body. It is considered a medical emergency. Urgent care may be required.

Bleeding disorders that can cause bruising

A number of bleeding disorders can also cause frequent bruising. These conditions include:

Symptoms of a bruise differ depending on the cause. Discoloration of the skin is often the first sign. Bruises can vary in appearance depending on your skin tone.

  • on dark skin tones, bruises may appear brown, purple, or darker than the surrounding skin
  • on medium skin tones, bruises may appear red or yellow
  • on light skin tones, bruises may appear red or purple

It is important to remember that bruises change color throughout the healing stage. On dark skin tones, they may at first be difficult to make out.

You may also experience pain and tenderness in the area of bruising. These symptoms generally improve as the bruise heals. Read more about the colorful stages of bruises.

Most bruises heal on their own. You can typically treat associated symptoms, such as pain and swelling, at home with some of the following options:

  • Use an ice pack to reduce swelling. Wrap the pack in cloth to avoid putting it directly on your bruised skin. Leave the ice on your bruise for 15 minutes. Repeat this every hour as needed.
  • Rest the bruised area.
  • If practical, raise the bruised area above your heart to keep blood from settling into the bruised tissue.
  • Take an over-the-counter medication, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), to reduce pain in the area.

Finding quality dermatological care as a person of color

Seeking out a dermatologist specializing in treating skin of color can often be beneficial, as they are more likely to understand how conditions present on various skin tones and can provide personalized treatment for your skin type.

You can search for specialists through platforms like the Skin of Color Society.

However, finding a specialist is not always accessible to everyone and can often be expensive and time consuming. In these instances, learning how to advocate for yourself in medical settings can be helpful to ensure you get the care you deserve.

Some people may bruise more easily. This includes:

  • Older adults: Bruises tend to be more common in older adults. As you age, your skin becomes thinner, and the capillaries under your skin become more prone to breaking.
  • Women: Women can be more prone to bruising as their skin typically has less fat and collagen, and more estrogen.

You may also notice bruising after receiving an injection or wearing tight clothing.

In most cases, easy bruising is nothing to be alarmed about. However, if this is a recent development, you should talk with a healthcare professional about potential causes and treatment options.

Bruises that develop after a cut, burn, fall, or injury are normal. It’s not uncommon to develop a knot in the area of bruising. These bruises form as part of your body’s natural healing process. In most cases, they’re nothing to worry about.

However, some symptoms can indicate a more severe condition. You should seek medical attention if you have:

  • increased bruising while taking aspirin (Bayer) or other blood thinners
  • swelling and pain in the area of bruising
  • bruising that occurs after a hard blow or fall
  • bruising that occurs along with a suspected broken bone
  • bruising for no reason
  • bruising accompanied by bleeding from your gums, nose, or mouth
  • bruising accompanied by blood in your urine, stool, or eyes
  • a wound that bruises, reopens, and produces pus, clear liquid, or blood

If a child has unexplained bruising, you should speak with a healthcare professional to determine the cause. Unexplained bruising on a child can be a sign of serious illness or even abuse.

It is common to get occasional bruises from minor injuries, such as accidentally bumping a body part on a doorframe. However, you can also develop bruises from more serious health conditions, including varicose veins and leukemia.

If you have bruising that occurs repeatedly or for no reason or burning that has not gone away after months, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional. It may be the result of an underlying health condition that needs to be treated promptly.