Bruising and Bleeding Bruising and Bleeding

August 9, 2024 5:33 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

why do alcoholics bruise easily

Mast cell activation syndrome also can occur, with related symptoms and conditions that include irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, allergic responses, and other variants. “Generally, bruises should fade completely in a couple of weeks,” Dr. Johnston says. “If your bruise doesn’t heal after roughly three to four weeks, you should seek medical attention because it could be a sign of a more serious medical issue.” The inflammatory disease process (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and the like) can lead to a low platelet count and affect how well your blood clots following an injury. If your kidney issues are a result of a medical condition, managing the condition properly can slow further kidney damage. Treatment for kidney problems specifically include going on a special diet, dialysis and a kidney transplant.

Focusing All Attention On Drinking

why do alcoholics bruise easily

At this point, it’s obvious to those close to you that you’re struggling. You might miss work, forget to pick up the kids, become irritable, and notice physical signs of alcohol abuse (facial redness, weight gain or loss, sluggishness, stomach bloating). Support groups can be a highly effective form of help at this stage.

Cancer

But if you often drink a lot of alcohol and you tend to get Alcoholics Anonymous a lot of bruises, it may mean you’ve got liver problems. If you, your mom, and your sister all turn black and blue from the tiniest bump, it may be a family thing. Some people just have more fragile blood vessels, and that makes them more likely to bruise, especially on their upper arms, thighs, or butt. Right after a tattoo, it’s normal for your skin around your tattoo to be red, irritated, swollen, warm, and sometimes bruised. These skin reactions are part of the healing process and usually last about 3-7 days. They may look reddish-purple on lighter skin tones and brownish-black on darker skin tones.

  • However, some people have disorders that cause them to bruise or bleed too easily.
  • I consider what I do for the addicted population as a calling versus a “career,” because I too was once an “addict and alcoholic.” Today I am 45.5 years alcohol and substance free.
  • Alcoholism emerges from alcohol abuse, when there’s a pattern of drinking despite negative consequences.
  • But damage to blood vessels below the skin causes them to rupture and leak blood.

liver enzymes

  • A fall, blow, or other impact that exerts sudden high pressure on the skin can cause a bruise.
  • Platelet disorders interfere with the body’s ability to properly clot blood because there is a lack of proteins in the blood (clotting factors) that help platelets form blood clots.
  • Yes, alcohol can affect your blood clotting by thinning the blood and reducing the ability of platelets to clump together, which can lead to easier bruising and bleeding.
  • What all of this means is that people who live with an alcohol use disorder are likely to consume large quantities of alcohol.
  • These physiological changes contribute to the increasing tolerance seen in early-stage alcoholics.
  • In this guide, we’ll explore 15 short and long-term signs that you’re drinking too much, including symptoms that don’t necessarily involve a hangover.
  • Consider drinking a glass or two of water before indulging in your favorite alcoholic beverage.

I recently joined Ohio Community Health Recovery Centers as a Clinical Case Manager. I am originally from Wisconsin but settled in the Cincinnati area in my early 20s. My career started in the fashion industry but quickly changed as I searched to find my drive and passion through helping others who struggle with addiction. Seeing a doctor can help determine if there’s a more serious issue and get you the right treatment. You’ll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. More seriously, this reduced clotting leads to an increased risk of stroke.

why do alcoholics bruise easily

Common Bruise Locations

  • Heavy alcohol use is a risk factor for liver disease, and IV drug use is a risk factor for HIV infection.
  • But if you often drink a lot of alcohol and you tend to get a lot of bruises, it may mean you’ve got liver problems.
  • Meanwhile, a vitamin K deficiency might translate into black stool and blood clots underneath the nails, in addition to being more susceptible to bruising.
  • Alcoholic jaundice is usually found in the progressive, final stages of liver disease.

These physiological changes contribute to the increasing tolerance seen in early-stage alcoholics. Despite heavy alcohol consumption, they may show few signs of intoxication or ill effects from drinking, such as a hangover. And as tolerance builds, they’ll begin to drink more and more to achieve the same buzz or high they’re used to. Often, bruising after drinking is a result of falling or bumping into something.

why do alcoholics bruise easily

Because they act as the body’s oxygen-delivery service, your cells won’t receive enough oxygen to thrive, making your skin more susceptible to bruising. Meanwhile, a vitamin K deficiency might translate into black stool and blood clots underneath the nails, in addition to being more susceptible to bruising. Heavy alcohol consumption has been linked to more than 60 different diseases. A person should seek emergency help if a large bruise develops after a trauma, especially if they also have lightheadedness or dizziness.

Night sweats

why do alcoholics bruise easily

If you experience increased bruising, don’t stop taking your medications. Also, tell your provider about any supplements you’re taking — especially if you’re taking them while on a blood-thinning drug. Your provider might tell you to avoid certain nonprescription medications or supplements.

Loss of appetite and weight loss

  • Because of the severity of the disease, medically monitored alcohol detox is a necessity.
  • Something people might notice with ongoing, severe alcohol misuse is bruising from alcohol.
  • This is usually achieved if you consume five or more standard drinks on a single occasion for men or four or more drinks on a single occasion for women.

Some conditions, such as pregnancy or breastfeeding, can temporarily increase the need for dietary iron. When you bruise easily, it can sometimes seem just as easy to identify the cause, such as advancing age or a blood thinner medication you’re taking. But some people who develop large bruises, multiple bruises at the same time, or bruises (also called contusions) why do alcoholics bruise easily that happen without a known cause, may have an underlying medical condition. Hemophilia involves low levels of blood clotting factor VIII (hemophilia A) or factor IX (hemophilia B). Synthetic versions of these clotting factors can help treat hemophilia and reduce the risk of serious bleeding and bruising. Genetic, psychological, social and environmental factors can impact how drinking alcohol affects your body and behavior.

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This post was written by vladeta

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