In most cases, bruising isn’t really anything to worry about. It happens from time to time, as many people bump into things or trip fairly often.

In rare cases, though, bruises can be a sign of something else going on with the body. Read on to learn more from our AFC Urgent Care Louisville team!

Are All Bruises the Same?

Even though bruises are generally caused the same way—when blood vessels pop underneath the skin and cause a skin discoloration—they’re not all the same. Some are a bit more severe than others.

We’ve listed the many different types of bruises you can experience 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.

When Should I Be Concerned About My Bruises?

It really depends on how active and old you are. If you are an active person, bruises might become more common, due to the amount of physical activity that you take part in. Also, those over age 60 typically have thinner skin, which loses some of the protective fatty layer that helps cushion blood vessels from injury and is more easily bruised.

In rare cases, though, easy bruising may indicate a serious underlying condition, such as a blood-clotting problem or a blood disease. Visit our AFC center if you experience the signs and symptoms that we’ve listed below.

Reasons to Seek Medical Treatment

• You have frequent, large bruises—especially if your bruises appear on your tailbone, back or face, or seem to develop for no known reasons.
• You have easy bruising and a history of significant bleeding, such as during a surgical procedure.
• You suddenly begin bruising, especially if you recently started a new medication.
• You have a family history of easy bruising or bleeding.

Have additional concerns about your health? We can provide the answers you need. Visit our AFC team today!