Bruising & Blood Clots

Many children and adults develop bruises in the course of daily life and physical activity. While they may have other causes, blood clots are part of the body's response to bruising.

Definition of a Bruise

• The medical term for a bruise is "contusion" (or "ecchymosis" when the skin's top layers are involved) The characteristic black-and-blue bruise mark results from blood leakage from tiny, injured blood vessels, as well as the body's response to the injury.

Causes & Risk Factors

• According to Duke Health, the causes of abnormal bruising include trauma, a weak skin, as well as low levels of platelets and/or clotting factors. Factors that increase the risk of bruising include: certain medications, advancing age, and bleeding disorders.

What is a Blood Clot

• The American Society of Hematology notes that coagulation (blood clotting) is a key mechanism the body uses to prevent excessive bleeding after blood vessel injury. Blood clotting involves the interaction of platelets and plasma proteins to contain the bruise.

Platelets

• Platelets are minuscule and sticky blood cells that plug the hole resulting from blood vessel injury. Inadequate production or excessive breakdown of platelets can delay healing.

Clotting Factors

• Duke Health describes clotting factors as blood proteins that interact with platelets to form a strong clot over a bruised area, and facilitate healing. Low levels of clotting factors can therefore prolong bruising.

Considerations

• According to Medicine.net, the body needs two to three weeks to repair a bruise and restore the skin. It normally dissolves the blood clot once healing is complete. Persistent blood clots can endanger a person's health.