Bruising occurs when small blood vessels under the skin burst, causing blood to spill and form visible marks. Commonly, bruises result from minor trauma like bumping into furniture or blood draws, but some people bruise easily due to underlying factors like medications (e.g., blood thinners, aspirin), aging (which causes skin to thin and blood vessels to weaken), sun exposure, and certain medical conditions such as diabetes, anemia, or blood disorders.

In some cases, excessive bruising could signal a serious health issue. To address bruising, it’s recommended to follow RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) for inflammation and consider seeing a doctor for vitamin tests, clotting conditions, or other treatments if bruising is frequent or severe. Lifestyle adjustments, like improving home lighting to prevent falls, can also help reduce bruising, and using protective creams for thin skin may prevent infections.