According to the Mayo Clinic, skin becomes thinner with age, resulting in a smaller barrier between skin and the blood vessels that burst to cause bruising. Skin also loses some of its fatty layer as the body ages, and this fatty layer cushions blood vessels, allowing them to absorb impact rather than burst.

What are you lacking if you bruise easily?

Low on Vitamin C This essential vitamin helps make collagen, an important protein that keeps your blood vessels healthy. If you don’t get enough vitamin C in your diet, you may notice that you bruise easily.

Why do I bruise so easily now I am older?

Some people — especially women — are more prone to bruising than others. As you get older, your skin also becomes thinner and loses some of the protective fatty layer that helps cushion your blood vessels from injury.

What helps with bruising in elderly?

If the skin does get injured, apply cold compresses and keep the area elevated. Then, apply warm compresses to increase circulation to speed up healing of the bruise. Over-the-counter medications, such as Vitamin K creams, may help bruises fade away quicker.

What medications cause easy bruising?

Some medicines can cause easy bruising and bleeding. Examples are aspirin, pain medicines like ibuprofen (Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve), and blood thinners. If you take one of these medicines, talk to your doctor to see if you should keep taking the medicine.

What should you eat if you bruise easily?

Foods with vitamin K help prevent deficiency and reduce the presence of bruising. Excellent sources of vitamin K include kale, spinach, broccoli, lettuce, soybeans, Brussel sprouts, blueberries, and strawberries. Foods rich in Zinc help the body heal and strengthen the body tissues.

Do elderly bruise easily?

Share this article: As they age, seniors experience physical changes inside and out. Aging skin bruises easily, which can be sensitive and painful. Bruises, also called contusions, occur when trauma damages or ruptures tiny blood vessels beneath the skin.

What causes bruises on elderly people’s arms?

Bruises in elderly people frequently occur because their skin has become thinner with age. The tissues that support the underlying blood vessels have become more fragile. Bruises are also more common in those taking medicine to thin the blood.

Is bruising caused by a vitamin deficiency?

Deficiencies in vitamins that help your blood clot, including vitamin K, vitamin C, and vitamin B-12 may also contribute to easy bruising.

Can low iron cause bruising?

You may begin to bruise easily if you aren’ t getting enough iron. That’s because your body needs iron to keep your blood cells healthy. If your blood cells aren’t healthy, your body won’t be able to get the oxygen that it needs to function. This may make your skin more susceptible to bruising.

What is a good cream for bruises?

Arnica. Arnica is a homeopathic herb that is said to reduce inflammation and swelling, thus making it an ideal treatment for bruising. A 2010 study found that topical arnica ointment effectively reduced laser-induced bruising. You can use an arnica ointment or gel on the bruise a few times per day.

Why do old people’s skin turn purple?

Over time, exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays weakens the connective tissues that hold the blood vessels in their place. This weakness makes the blood vessels fragile, which means that even after a minor bump, red blood cells can leak into the deeper layers of the skin, causing the distinctive purpura to appear.

How do you stop easy bruising?

Ice – cold will reduce the swelling and sooth the pain. Apply an ice pack, such as an Elastoplast Sport Hot/Cold Pack, for 10 to 20 minutes, as needed. Compression – another way to decrease swelling is to wrap the bruised area, gently but thoroughly, with a medium weight Elastoplast’s Crepe Bandage.

Can blood pressure meds cause easy bruising?

The blood-pressure pill verapamil can occasionally cause bruising all by itself. Ask if a different medication would be appropriate for your blood pressure control. Other helpful nondrug approaches to bruising include applying ice shortly after impact.

Can High BP cause bruising?

Your symptoms can be present in a wide variety of medical conditions, including high blood pressure, stress reactions, and reactions to medications. You should not discontinue a prescription medication without first contacting your doctor.