Bruising occurs after traumatic injury and consists of swelling and discoloration under the
skin but no disruption of the skin.
Bruising is a normal body response to trauma. It is only when bruising occurs often and
from very minor (often unnoticed) trauma that a problem may exist. Refer to the capillary fragility article for more information.
While easy bruising is usually not a cause for concern, people who experience this problem
should consult a physician to rule out more serious conditions that may cause bruising.
Medical causes of easy bruising sometimes may be diagnosed from a few blood tests conducted by
a doctor. More often, however, no clear cause for easy bruising is found.
What are the symptoms of bruising?
Bruises look like areas of blue to purple-colored skin that may turn yellow to dark brown
over the course of a few days.
Medical treatments
The primary focus in the treatment of bruising is the diagnosis and management of any
underlying medical condition. Conditions such as liver or kidney disease; blood disorders,
such as hemophilia, platelet dysfunction, thrombocytopenia, leukemia, and multiple myeloma;
connective tissue disorders including scurvy, Marfan’s syndrome, and Ehlers-Danlos
syndrome; or the use of blood-thinning medication, such as
aspirin (Bayer®, Ecotrin®, Bufferin®) and
warfarin (Coumadin®), should be considered.
Dietary changes that may be helpful
Even minor dietary deficiencies of vitamin C can lead
to increased bruising. People who experience easy bruising may benefit from eating more fruits and
vegetables—common dietary sources of vitamin C and
flavonoids.
Nutritional supplements that may be helpful
Doctors often suggest that people who experience easy bruising supplement with 100 mg to 3
grams of vitamin C per day for several months. Controlled
research is limited, but vitamin C supplements have been shown to reduce bruising in people
with low vitamin C intake.1 Flavonoids are
often recommended along with vitamin C. Flavonoids are vitamin-like substances that can help
strengthen capillaries and therefore may also help with bruising.2 Flavonoids may
also increase the effectiveness of vitamin C; citrus flavonoids, in particular, improve the
absorption of vitamin C. Older preliminary research suggested that vitamin C, 400–800 mg
per day, in combination with 400–800 mg per day of the flavonoid, hesperidin, reduced
bruising in menopausal women.3 A small,
preliminary trial in Germany gave three people with progressive pigmented purpura (a chronic
bruising disorder) 1,000 mg per day of vitamin C and 100 mg per day of the flavonoid rutoside.
After four weeks, noticeable bruising was no longer apparent and did not recur in the three
month period after treatment was stopped.4 Controlled research is needed to better
establish whether vitamin C and flavonoids are effective for easy bruising.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Refer to the individual supplement for information about any side effects or interactions.
Herbs that may be helpful
In traditional herbal medicine, a compress or ointment of sweet clover is applied to
bruises.5 6 Enough should be applied to cover the bruise, and several
applications per day may be necessary to improve healing.
Arnica is considered by some practitioners to be
among the best vulnerary (wound-healing) herbs available.7 As a homeopathic remedy, arnica is often recommended as
both an internal and topical means to treat minor injuries. Some healthcare practitioners
recommend mixing 1 tablespoon of arnica tincture in 500 ml water, then soaking thin cloth or
gauze in the liquid and applying it to the injured area for at least 15 minutes four to five
times per day.
Comfrey is also widely used in traditional medicine as a
topical application to help heal wounds.8
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Refer to the individual herb for information about any side effects or interactions.
References
1. Schorah CJ, Tormey WP, Brooks GH, et al. The effect of vitamin C
supplements on body weight, serum proteins, and general health of an elderly population.
Am J Clin Nutr 1981;34:871–6.
2. Shamrai EF. Vitamin P. Its chemical nature and mechanism of
physiologic action. Uspekhi Sovremennoi Biologii 1968;65:186–201.
3. Horoschak A. Nocturnal leg cramps, easy bruisability and epistaxis in
menopausal patients: treated with hesperidin and ascorbic acid. Delaware State Med J
1959;Jan:19–22.
4. Reinhold U, Seiter S, Ugurel S, Tilgen W. Treatment of progressive
pigmented purpura with oral bioflavonoids and ascorbic acid: an open pilot study in 3
patients. J Am Acad Dermatol 1999;41:207–8.
5. Moore M. Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West. Santa Fe:
Museum of New Mexico Press, 1979, 152.
6. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C (eds). PDR for Herbal
Medicines. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Co, 1998, 966–7.
7. Weiss R. Herbal Medicine. Gothenburg, Sweden: Ab Arcanum and
Beaconsfield, UK: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd, 1988, 342.
8. Weiss R. Herbal Medicine. Gothenburg, Sweden: Ab Arcanum and
Beaconsfield, UK: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd, 1988, 342.
Copyright © 2004 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved.
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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational
purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro),
clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may
not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with
prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor,
practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or
before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2005.
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