There are a number of potential causes for excessive bruising, some benign, and some less so. Aging is one of the most common causes, as are certain medications and dietary supplements. It is advisable to be evaluated by a doctor if excessive bruising onsets suddenly with no obvious cause, especially if it is accompanied with fatigue, rashes, and other medical symptoms. A general practitioner can evaluate a patient to learn more about the nature of the bruising and provide a referral to a specialist, if necessary.

Women are more likely to bruise than men, and some women may notice that excessive bruising is common throughout their lives. Aging can be a cause in everyone, because as people age, their skin thins, the capillaries become more fragile, and the insulating layer of fat disappears. This combination of factors makes it much easier for people to bruise after injuries, even very light ones. People may notice that mild pressure on the skin of older adults can cause livid bruising as a result of the underlying fragility.

Another cause for excessive bruising can be an autoimmune condition like allergies or lupus. People with a history of autoimmune problems may want to discuss bruising with their doctors to see if it is a cause for concern, especially if it is growing worse. Medications like steroids, blood thinners, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are also linked with excessive bruising, especially if people take them in the long term. Dietary supplements like ginkgo biloba can also cause excessive bruising.

Blood disorders are another cause. People with clotting disorders, as well as people who carry genes for clotting disorders, can develop excessive bruising and in some cases, the bruising may be dangerous. Leukemia is another potential reason for someone to bruise excessively and in fact, bruising can be an early warning sign for a patient with leukemia, along with excessive fatigue.

If people notice that they are bruising more than normal and they don't know of any medical reason for the bruising, they should see a doctor. Bruising can be a sign of an underlying medical problem that needs attention, and the sooner it is addressed, the better the possible outcome. People should also be aware that sometimes bruising is a sign of internal hemorrhage. If bruises develop in areas like the abdomen after sustaining physical trauma, a patient may want to seek a medical evaluation for internal bleeding.