
You may get it if you hit your thumb with a hammer or stub your toe, but you may also get it from wearing tight shoes or training for a marathon. At the time of injury, your nail may feel sore or tender, but the pressure that builds up under your nail as the blood pools can cause severe pain. Your nail may lift off your finger or toe, and the color of your nail may change. You should go see your doctor if you’re bleeding and it won’t stop, the pain is too intense, or you see a lot of damage to the base of your nail. If you have a bruise on your arm or leg and signs of a blood clot in the same limb, call your doctor.

This can lead to bruising even when there is no trauma to the skin. Alcoholics may also have darker bruises due to the increased amount of blood in their body. If you notice that you or someone you know is bruise easily, it may be a sign of alcoholism. Vitamin C not only helps boost your immune system, but it increases collagen production in the skin. Collagen is not only helpful for keeping your skin plump and supple, but it’s also responsible for keeping your blood vessels strong. If certain medications what is alcoholism are causing your easy bruising, your healthcare provider may explore alternative options.

These skin reactions are part of the healing process and usually last about 3-7 days. However, easy bruising can be a sign of an underlying condition and a higher risk of bleeding overall. A person should seek emergency help if a large bruise develops after a trauma, especially if they also why do alcoholics bruise easily have lightheadedness or dizziness. Rarely , an increase in bleeding and bruising may be a sign of leukemia. Patrick McCamley (Clinical Therapist) is a Cincinnati native who has worked in substance use disorder/co-occurring mental health disorder treatment since 2019.
As you age, your skin becomes thinner because you lose some of the fat beneath your skin. These bruises are most common on your arms and legs, where most bumps happen. Hence, drinking alcohol makes it harder for your immune system to gear up and mount a defense response against invading pathogens and viruses. As a result, you may find yourself having frequent sore throat pains, catching colds and infections more often. Recognizing the signs of alcoholism is the first step toward recovery. If you’re struggling to control your drinking or are worried about the health effects, reach out for professional help.

The discoloration you see as a bruise on the surface of your skin is from blood that has pooled in or under your skin. On people with lighter skin tones, bruises may start out red or purple soon after the injury, then turn light brown, green, or yellow as what is alcoholism they heal. If you experience unexplained bruising or bruises that don’t heal, it is crucial to consult a doctor to rule out any underlying health conditions. While most bruises are harmless and resolve on their own, it’s important to know when to seek medical attention.
Running into furniture, falling into a something hard, or being struck by a flying object could all leave you with bruises. “Any disruption of the normal liver function lowers these protein levels,” says Dr. Ehsan Ali, a Los Angeles-based board-certified physician. I am a passionate beer connoisseur with a deep appreciation for the art and science of brewing.

In most of these cases, your doctor will likely run tests to determine why you’re bruising so easily, such as tests that measure how quickly your blood clots or determine your blood platelet levels. “Generally, bruises should fade completely in a couple of weeks,” Dr. Johnston says. “If your bruise doesn’t heal after roughly three to four weeks, you should seek medical attention because it could be a sign of a more serious medical issue.” “Any medications that have a blood-thinning effect or reduce your blood’s ability to create clots will trigger bigger bruises after experiencing impact on the body,” Dr. Johnston says. When there’s not enough hemoglobin to go around, the body’s red blood cells aren’t able to function properly.