Sometimes, a bruise pops up on our bodies and we remember exactly what happened to cause it. Other times, though, bruises show up unexplained.

If this happens often to you, when should you be concerned? Our AFC Urgent Care Greenwood team shares some helpful info below, so keep reading.

What Exactly Is a Bruise?

When you experience skin trauma, it can crush blood vessels under the skin, causing them to pool and form a bruise.

Bruises usually appear red at first, then progressing to blue-ish black, then greenish yellow before healing in about two weeks. Not all bruises are the same, though, as you will learn in the section below.

Types of Bruises

• Purpura: This is perhaps the most common type of bruise, as it typically involves small bleeding under the skin.
• Hematoma: Severe bruising that is often caused by trauma, such as a car accident or major fall. A hematoma is a collection of blood outside the blood vessels that causes pain and swelling.
• Senile purpura: This type of bruising is more common among older adults. As you age, the skin becomes thinner, dryer and more prone to bruising. This condition is known as senile purpura.
• Black eye: You’ve likely heard or experienced this type of bruising before. A black eye happens when you’ve been hit in the face, and swelling and bruising causes a discolored ring to form around the eye.

Is There Such a Thing As Too Much Bruising?

It’s possible, but it’s not that common. If you tend to get bumps and bruises on your knees or shins, you shouldn’t be concerned. However, if bruises pop up in other places and you don’t even remember experiencing pain to cause the bruises, it could be a sign that an underlying issue is the main cause.

All in all, bruising is a part of life, but if you experience the signs and symptoms we’ve listed below, don’t hesitate to visit our AFC center to learn more about why you may be bruising more often than you think you should be.

Signs and Symptoms of Abnormal Bruising

• Large bruises that are raised and seem out of proportion to the injury that caused it—i.e. a huge bruise for a small bump
• Unexplained bruises that occur without any known fall or injury
• Bruises that last more than a few weeks
• A family history of bleeding, easy bruising or a bleeding disorder
• A bloody nose that lasts longer than 10 minutes after proper treatment with direct pressure

We are open seven days a week to provide the non-emergency care you need! Stop by our AFC center today.