Bruising is a common occurrence in everyday life, and most of us don’t give it a second thought.

Usually, it’s nothing to worry about as it’s simply the result of minor injuries, like bumping into something or accidentally hitting yourself.

However, there are times when bruising can be a sign of a more serious condition that requires medical attention. In this article, we’ll take a look at 4 instances when bruising can be a red flag and should not be ignored.

1. Bruising Without an Explanation

If you have a bruise that you can’t explain or that doesn’t seem to have been caused by any injury, it’s essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Unexplained bruising can be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as leukemia, hemophilia, or a blood vessel disorder.

Leukemia is a type of cancer of the blood cells, and one of its symptoms is easy bruising and bleeding. Hemophilia is a genetic disorder that affects the body’s ability to clot blood, making it more likely to bleed and bruise.

Finally, some blood vessel disorders, such as vasculitis, can cause unexplained bruising due to inflammation and damage to the blood vessels.

2. Bruising That Gets Worse Over Time

If you have a bruise that seems to be getting worse instead of better or if you develop new bruises in the same area, you should seek medical attention promptly. This can be a sign of a more serious injury, such as a hematoma or a fractured bone.

A hematoma is a collection of blood that forms underneath the skin, usually due to an injury, and can cause swelling, pain, and discoloration.

Fractured bones can also cause severe bruising, especially if there is significant trauma to the affected area.

3. Bruising on Your Abdomen or Back

While bruising on other areas of your body is generally not a cause for concern, bruising on your abdomen or back should always be evaluated by a doctor.

These areas are not usually subject to bruising from minor injuries or bumps, so bruising in these areas could be an indication of internal bleeding.

Internal bleeding can be caused by a variety of factors, including trauma, aneurysms, and blood clots.

Internal bleeding can be life-threatening, so it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you notice unusual bruising on your abdomen or back.

4. Bruising After a Minor Trauma

If you develop a bruise after a minor injury, like a bump or fall, and it doesn’t seem to be healing or is getting worse instead of better, it’s a good idea to get it checked out.

This can be a sign of an underlying medical condition that needs attention, such as a bleeding disorder or a blood clotting disorder.

Other possible causes of bruising after a minor trauma include medications that can thin your blood, like aspirin and warfarin, and vitamin deficiencies that can weaken your blood vessels.