Bruises or blood spots under the skin and abnormal bleeding
Signs of abnormal bleeding include:
- Nosebleeds.
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding.
- Rectal bleeding.
- Bloody or pink urine.
- Gums that bleed easily.
Unexplained bruises or blood spots under the skin and abnormal bleeding may mean that your blood is not clotting normally. This can be caused by:
- A medication, such as aspirin, other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and blood-thinning medications. Other medications that can cause bleeding include some antibiotics and medications to treat heart problems, cancer, depression, anxiety, and allergies.
- A bleeding disorder, such as hemophilia, von Willebrand's disease or thrombocytopenia.
- Malnutrition, such as deficiencies of vitamins B12, C, or K, or folic acid.
- Widespread infection (sepsis).
- Chronic inflammatory diseases, such as lupus.
- Liver disease, such as cirrhosis.
- Some types of cancer, such as lymphoma, leukemia, or multiple myeloma.
If you have unexplained bruises or blood spots under your skin and you also have abnormal bleeding, call your health professional for an evaluation.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: May 8, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology | |
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