Bruising easily can be a common issue, particularly as one ages. A bruise occurs when an injury breaks tiny blood vessels called capillaries, leading to bleeding under the skin. This results in the familiar black-and-blue mark. Factors such as aging, where both skin and capillaries become more fragile, and having less fat beneath the skin, play a role in how easily one bruises. A bruise, essentially, is a collection of blood underneath the skin, caused by an injury to the body.

Mind Body Green highlights that easy bruising is a condition affecting many, with 18 percent of 500 healthy adults in a study reporting this issue. Dr. Kathryn D. McElheny, a primary care sports medicine physician, suggests that it’s essential to identify any trauma that may have caused the bruise and to observe how the body reacts to it.

Certain medical conditions and lifestyle factors can also contribute to easy bruising. For instance, Actinic purpura, commonly affecting older adults, is characterized by benign bruising on body parts most exposed to the sun. Medications like blood thinners, aspirin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can also affect blood clotting, increasing the likelihood of bruising.

It’s important to differentiate bruises from other red or purple spots, as they can also be a manifestation of nutrient deficiencies, such as vitamin C, zinc, or vitamin B deficiencies. If you are concerned about your diet or have a condition that may reduce your ability to absorb nutrients, consulting a doctor is advised.

Bruising is a common skin injury, often resolving in a few days. However, in some cases, unusual or frequent bruising may warrant medical attention, especially in older men who may have more fragile blood vessels and less fat tissue.

Bone bruises, another type of bruising, do not show up on X-rays and can happen to anyone, often accompanied by other injuries such as ligament damage. These bruises can occur on any bone in the body and are a result of some form of injury.

For further information on bruising and its implications, refer to the detailed resources from Harvard Health, Harvard Health, the University of Rochester Medical Center, Mind Body Green, Go Ask Alice!, Health Sciences, and the University of Rochester Medical Center.