Do You Bruise Easily? When to Get It Checked Out

This is due to the buildup of bilirubin, which can turn urine into a dark orange, brown or amber color. If you’re drinking normally and still noticing issues with urine color, it could be a sign that something else is going on. “Signs and symptoms of liver disease do not typically present until there is significant liver damage,” said Dr. Bubu Banini, a hepatologist and assistant professor at Yale School of Medicine. Liver conditions include non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatitis or even cancer.

Charitable Care & Financial Assistance

Minor accidents — running into furniture, falling, dropping something on your leg, hand or foot — are the most common cause of bruising. But bruising shouldn’t always be dismissed so easily, says hematologist Dana Angelini, MD. People with alcoholism can develop erosive gastritis, where the stomach lining wears away. Bruises usually heal without treatment, but raising the bruised part and applying ice covered in a cloth may help reduce swelling.

A hot weather plan is essential to staying healthy

• A heavy drinking binge may even cause a life-threatening coma or death.
• This is due to the buildup of bilirubin, which can turn urine into a dark orange, brown or amber color.
• You should also seek medical attention if your bruises appear on parts of your body where injuries are unlikely to occur, like your torso, back, face or on the backs of your hands.
• Other signs of an alcohol use disorder include spending a significant amount of time drinking, or consuming larger quantities of alcohol than intended.
• Bruising easily can have a wide range of possible underlying causes, including blood-clotting problems or a blood disease.
• Petechiae may not be visible on dark skin, but a person may see them on areas with lower levels of melanin, such as the forearms.

If you suddenly stop drinking alcohol, it can lead to a number of uncomfortable alcohol withdrawal symptoms. It often drives people with alcoholism to keep drinking in order to limit these symptoms. Certain do alcoholics bruise more easily physical signs and symptoms might indicate that you’ve developed an alcohol addiction. Symptoms of alcoholism vary, but in this piece we’ll focus on some of the physical signs of alcohol dependence.

Legal Conditions and Terms

A. If you’re noticing more black-and-blue marks on your body, it’s most likely not a skin or blood problem. Age-related changes to your skin and underlying blood vessels can make you more prone to bruising. If you visit an emergency room, you can be referred to a liver specialist for further evaluation. If you believe you have any liver damage symptoms, it’s important to discuss this with your provider.

• They may also develop large bruises after minor injuries or have bruises that take many weeks to heal.
• The truth is that most of us squint at our first sips until we learn to acquire the taste over time.
• Because alcohol is a potent diuretic, it can quickly dehydrate you, leading to the characteristic symptoms of a hangover, including a throbbing headache.
• If you bruise easily and are worried that it may be a sign of alcoholism, talk to your doctor.
• Understanding the stages of alcohol misuse and recognizing our patterns can be the first crucial steps toward a better relationship with alcohol.
• No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

White matter lies under the brain’s gray matter and is the network of nerve fibers that transmit information throughout the brain. When bruising easily starts suddenly, happens relatively frequently, or if the bruises are unusually large or painful, you should consult a doctor. Topical and systemic corticosteroids can be used to treat various conditions, including allergies, asthma and eczema. Certain dietary supplements, such as ginkgo biloba, also can increase bruising risk due to a blood-thinning effect. Some people — especially women — are more prone to bruising than others.

But the deliciousness does not have to come from the taste—it comes from the feelings. With two party tricks up its sleeve, alcohol has its way to help us feel good, at least temporarily. Receive free access to exclusive content, a personalized homepage based on your interests, and a weekly newsletter with the topics of your choice.

Bruising easily can happen to anyone at any age, but people assigned female at birth are generally at higher risk. Your doctor will likely have you describe your symptoms, examine current bruises and ask for information about any history of bleeding problems in you or your family. You should bring a list of the medications you are taking to the appointment, as some drugs can increase your risk of bruising. If you feel that you sometimes drink too much alcohol, or your drinking is causing problems, or if your family is concerned about your drinking, talk with your health care provider.

Alcoholic Liver Diseases

When to seek medical advice