Do You Bruise Easily? 5 Reasons Why (Cleveland Clinic)

Tier 1: Established: peer-reviewed research or government health authority
Publisher: Cleveland Clinic · Published: September 10, 2026 · Accessed: September 10, 2026

Visit the source ↗

Claims this source supports

• Bruising happens when small blood vessels break and leak blood under the skin. It is common to bump into things, not remember, and see small bruises on legs or arms, but frequent or unprovoked bruising on the torso, back or face is unusual.
• Medications and supplements that inhibit normal platelet function or clotting can cause easy bruising: aspirin and NSAIDs, prescription blood thinners (clopidogrel, warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban), certain antidepressants such as SSRIs, and supplements including garlic, ginkgo, ginseng and fish oil.
• Vitamin deficiencies that can lead to easy bruising include vitamin C (helps keep blood vessels strong), vitamin K (supports normal clotting) and vitamin B12 (aids healthy blood cell production).
• Older adults tend to bruise more easily because skin thins with age, leaving less fat beneath the skin to cushion and protect blood vessels.
• Underlying conditions that can increase bruising include von Willebrand disease, hemophilia, acquired bleeding disorders (associated with medications, autoimmune conditions, liver disease or cancer), connective tissue diseases such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and low blood counts from bone marrow disease.
• Heavy alcohol use and poor nutrition can interfere with blood clotting because alcohol affects liver function and bone marrow function.
• See a healthcare provider if a bruise does not improve after a week, is unusually large or painful, keeps showing up in the same spot, appears without a clear reason, or occurs in areas unlikely to be injured such as the back or torso. If the cause remains unclear, a blood test can help identify platelet or clotting issues.