The short answer is yes. While it’s true that bruising is a part of life, there are a few reasons that can make some people more susceptible to bruising than others. Why does this happen, though?

Read on as our AFC Urgent Care Indian Trail team shares some helpful answers below!

What Is a Bruise?

Bruises are a common occurrence. When you bump into something or otherwise suffer skin trauma, tiny blood vessels under the skin may be injured, causing them to pop and blood to pool beneath the surface. This can result in a bruise that is yellow, blue, black, brown, green or red in appearance.

Bruises can be easily treated and are rarely a cause for concern.

How to Treat Bruises

• Cold compress. If bruising has caused pain and swelling, applying a cold compress is step one. Remember to put a barrier, such as a towel or cloth, between the cold object and skin. Place the compress on your child’s skin for up to 20 minutes at a time.
• Elevation. If an arm or leg is involved, elevate the limb and apply a cold compress for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, or until the swelling is reduced.
• Over-the-counter medication, such as acetaminophen.

Why Is Bruising More Common For Some People?

There are a lot of reasons for frequent bruising, but being a physically active person is a common one. A lot of times, falling on a hiking trail or bumping into someone when playing basketball will result in a bruise, even if the initial pain isn’t that bad.

Underlying conditions can be the cause of more bruising. Some people have a low platelet count, which causes slow blood clotting after injuries and more bruises. If you experience the symptoms we’ve listed below, stop by our AFC center to get a CBC test to see if a low blood and platelet count is, in fact, the cause of frequent bruising.

Signs of Low Platelet Count

• You bleed excessively and even a small cut bleeds for a long time.
• You have excessive bruising, including many purplish spots under the skin even when you haven’t had an injury.
• You may have frequent nose bleeds.

We’re here for you now and always! Don’t hesitate to visit our AFC Urgent Care Indian Trail team today.