Whether you're playing basketball or bumping into furniture, bruises are often a part of life. They’re like tiny souvenirs from moments of impact—some expected, others mysterious. But why do some people seem to bruise more easily than others? Is it genetics, lifestyle or something else?
We spoke with Joseph Torkildson, MD, a pediatric hematologist and oncologist with Banner Health, to better understand why bruises happen, who’s more prone to them and when they might signal a deeper issue.
What is a bruise, technically speaking?
Sometimes we know exactly how we got a bruise—a clumsy stumble or a solid collision during sports. Other times, we’re left scratching our heads, trying to remember what caused that mysterious mark.
Dr. Torkildson explained, “Most of the time, blood vessels break because of trauma. We injure our skin in some way and damage the blood vessels. Bruising is a discoloration of the skin caused by blood leaking from the small vessels into the surrounding tissue.”
Do women bruise more easily than men?
While everyone’s skin and body are unique, women may bruise more easily than men. Dr. Torkildson noted, “This is felt to be due to women’s skin having more fat and less collagen. Collagen forms a network of fibers in the skin that hold it together like a net. The collagen supports blood vessels, so they’re more protected from injury. The dense collagen layer is thicker in men, making their blood vessels less likely to break with injury.”
Should I be worried if my child bruises easily?
Kids are naturally more active and adventurous, so a few bruises are par for the course. “Children tend to be more active, more impulsive, and perhaps more clumsy depending on their age, and therefore more likely to develop bruises, especially on their arms and legs,” Dr. Torkildson said.
Most bruises are harmless signs of an active childhood. However, certain signs might indicate a more serious issue:
- Bruises that seem out of proportion to the injury
- Bruises that grow larger over hours or days
- Nosebleeds lasting 15+ minutes, despite consistent pressure
- Bleeding gums while brushing teeth
- Blood in urine or bowel movements
- Excessive bruising with paleness, fatigue, fever, or bone pain
- Unexplained or random bruising
If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to contact your child’s pediatrician.
How easy is too easy to bruise?
“This is one of the hardest questions to answer,” Dr. Torkildson shared. People who bruise easily often don’t need to worry, especially if they don’t experience any of the concerning signs mentioned above.
However, medications can play a role. Blood thinners and even over-the-counter (OTC) drugs like aspirin, naproxen and ibuprofen can affect platelet function. Platelets are essential for clotting, which helps prevent bruising and bleeding.
Can you make a bruise heal faster?
A big bruise might leave you hesitating to wear your favorite shorts or dress, but unfortunately, you can’t speed up the healing process. “Once blood is deposited in the skin, the body’s natural scavenger system comes in and cleans up the dead cells and waste material,” Dr. Torkildson said. “Typically, the larger the bruise, the longer it takes to clean up. Just like we can’t make our garbage truck come by two days earlier to pick up our trash at home, we can’t make our body clean it up any more quickly!”
To minimize discomfort, try these tips:
- Apply a cold compress during the first 24 hours to reduce swelling.
- After the initial swelling subsides, use a warm compress to improve circulation.
- Elevate the bruised area to reduce blood flow and swelling.
- Avoid massaging the bruise, as it could worsen the injury.
When to talk to a doctor
Most bruises are nothing to worry about, but if you’re noticing unusual or frequent bruising in yourself or a loved one, it’s best to get it checked out. A doctor can rule out any underlying conditions and help you feel more confident about your health.
Schedule an appointment with a Banner Health physician to discuss your concerns and get the care you need.
Recommended reading
- What is Thrombocytopenia (Low Platelet Count)?
- Hemophilia: Could Your Child Be at Risk for This Bleeding Disorder?
- What to Do When Your Child Gets a Nosebleed
Content in this article was updated on January 22, 2025.
