What is unexplained bruising?
These bruises result from microscopic tears in blood vessels under the skin. Unexplained bruises that occur easily or for no apparent reason may indicate a bleeding disorder, especially if the bruising is accompanied by frequent nosebleeds or bleeding gums.
What kind of blood disorder causes bruising?
Hemophilia A. This condition, which is also known as classical hemophilia or factor VIII, is typically inherited. It’s caused by a missing or defective clotting protein called factor VIII. With hemophilia A, your blood takes a long time to form clots, which can result in bruising. This rare condition can be serious.
Can you randomly develop hemophilia?
The majority of hemophilia cases are genetic, affect males and are diagnosed fairly early in childhood. However, there are rare cases of hemophilia that develop later in life and are called “acquired hemophilia.”
What race is most affected by hemophilia?
The average age of persons with hemophilia in the United States is 23.5 years. Compared to the distribution of race and ethnicity in the U.S. population, white race is more common, Hispanic ethnicity is equally common, while black race and Asian ancestry are less common among persons with hemophilia.
Can you develop hemophilia later in life?
In rare cases, a person can develop hemophilia later in life. The majority of cases involve middle-aged or elderly people, or young women who have recently given birth or are in the later stages of pregnancy. This condition often resolves with appropriate treatment.
Should I be worried about bruising that is not normal?
Unexplained bruising usually isn’t something to worry about. Bruises that are odd looking or in unusual places could be cause for concern. Bruises have a way of bothering us for days, either because they’re painful or we don’t know how they got there.
Why do bruises turn black and blue when they bleed?
When this happens, blood leaks out of the vessels and initially appears as a black-and-blue mark. Eventually your body reabsorbs the blood, and the mark disappears. Generally, harder blows cause larger bruises.
Why is easy bruising so common in older adults?
Although most bruises are harmless and go away without treatment, easy bruising can sometimes be a sign of a more serious problem. Why is easy bruising so common in older adults? Most bruises form when small blood vessels (capillaries) near the skin’s surface are broken by the impact of a blow or injury — often on the arms or legs.
What is the difference between a hematoma and a bruise?
It is often related to more significant trauma. When a hematoma occurs, the body cannot heal the bruise as easily or quickly as a minor injury. As a result, a hematoma stays the same color, firmness, and causes the same level of pain even after several days.