What causes excessive bruising in young people?

Excessive bruising in young people can have a variety of causes, including:

1. Vitamin C deficiency: Vitamin C is essential for the production of collagen, which is a protein that helps strengthen blood vessels and prevents them from becoming fragile and easily broken. A deficiency in vitamin C can lead to easy bruising.

2. Vitamin K deficiency: Vitamin K is important for the production of clotting factors, which are proteins that help stop bleeding. A deficiency in vitamin K can lead to prolonged bleeding and bruising.

3. Platelet disorders: Platelets are small blood cells that help stop bleeding by forming clots. Certain disorders can affect the function or number of platelets, leading to excessive bruising.

4. Liver disease: The liver produces clotting factors and other proteins that are important for preventing excessive bleeding and bruising. Liver disease can impair these functions and lead to increased bruising.

5. Certain medications: Some medications, such as aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and anticoagulants, can interfere with blood clotting and lead to increased bruising.

6. Von Willebrand disease: This is a genetic disorder characterized by a deficiency or dysfunction of von Willebrand factor, a protein that is involved in blood clotting.

7. Hemophilia: This is a group of genetic disorders characterized by a deficiency or dysfunction of clotting factors, which leads to prolonged bleeding and easy bruising.

8. Scurvy: This is a disease caused by severe vitamin C deficiency and is characterized by skin problems, bleeding gums, weakness, and fatigue. It can also cause easy bruising.

If you or your child are experiencing excessive bruising, it is important to see a doctor to determine the cause and receive proper treatment.