Author: Gary Jackson

Bruises: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Remedies, Prevention

Furthermore, if alcohol bruises are a result of liver damage, you likely have alcoholic liver disease, which causes severe dysfunction in the liver. Alcohol is known to be toxic to the liver, and a majority of people who regularly consume 4 or more drinks per day will develop a fatty liver. Long-term alcohol misuse can lead to numerous health problems. It increases the risk of various types of cancer, as well as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Another health-related risk linked to chronic alcohol misuse is liver disease, which is often the cause of bruising from alcohol. Chronic alcohol misuse has a negative effect on every system of the body.

Finally, one potentially serious cause of alcohol and bruising is alcohol liver disease. As liver functioning declines from chronic alcohol misuse, a person is likely to bleed and bruise easily. An alcohol use disorder is a legitimate medical condition that causes lasting changes in the brain. Once a person develops an alcohol use disorder, they will continue to drink, even in the face of serious consequences, such as health problems caused by alcohol.

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Second, alcoholism can lead to a condition called thrombocytopenia, which is a low level of platelets in the blood. Platelets help the blood clot, so a low level of them can cause easy bruising. Finally, alcoholics may have a deficiency of vitamin C, which is important for healing wounds.

Unfortunately, once a bruise has formed, not much can be done to treat it. Most bruises eventually disappear as the body reabsorbs the blood, although healing might take longer as you age. However, if you bruise easily, even a minor bump can result in a substantial bruise.

In fact, alcohol causes lots of people to bruise more — and not just because you’re more prone to falling when you’re drunk.

Alcohol impairs your cerebellum, the part of your brain that’s responsible for coordinating your movements, Swartzwelder says. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. You’ll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox.

• Females who consume high amounts of alcohol and also carry excess body weight have a greater chance of developing chronic liver disease.
• People who drink beer and liquor may be more likely to experience liver disease when compared with those who consume other alcoholic beverages, such as wine.
• A liver transplant is a complicated procedure that depends on a donor’s availability.
• In people with liver failure, the liver completely ceases to function.
• As the bruise develops, the skin over your bruise may look dark brown or black.
• Plus, you’re more susceptible to an accidental fall or bump after you’ve been drinking, anyway.
• On average, 1 in 3 people with the most advanced stage of liver disease and cirrhosis are still alive after 2 years.

It’s not likely, but it’s possible that your bruises are a sign of blood cancer, such as leukemia. If you also feel tired, achy, and weak all the time, or lose weight without trying to, give your doctor a call. These conditions can cause organ damage, so if you suspect you have vasculitis, you should go see your doctor.

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He has a nursing and business/technology degrees from The Johns Hopkins University. If your bruise doesn’t improve within two weeks, or if you start to notice frequent, unexplained bruises—whether you’re drunk or sober—call your doctor. Plus, you’re more susceptible to an accidental fall or bump after you’ve been drinking, anyway. In some people, the initial reaction may feel like an increase in energy. But as you continue to drink, you become drowsy and have less control over your actions.

• Steroids and some cancer drugs (chemotherapy and targeted therapy) may also lower your platelet levels, which can cause you to bleed and bruise more than you typically do.
• She has spent the past 5 years specializing in the treatment of opioid and alcohol use disorders.
• Drinking a large volume of alcohol can cause fatty acids to collect in the liver.
• Your doctor will likely suggest you use a brace or crutches for bone bruises in your legs and feet.
• This article explores the early signs and symptoms of alcoholic liver disease, its stages, causes, risk factors, treatments, and prevention.
• On people with dark skin tones, bruises can look purple, dark brown, or black.
• Eventually the body reabsorbs the blood, and the mark disappears.

This effect may explain why you’re waking up with bruises after drinking. Continuing to drink, even when it causes health problems, is a sign of an alcohol use disorder. Someone who lives with an alcohol use disorder may experience lasting brain changes that make it difficult to stop drinking. If you’re aware that drinking is causing health problems, such as liver issues and bruising from alcohol, but you’re unable to stop drinking on your own, it’s time to seek treatment.

Bruises

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. As you age, your skin gets thinner and you lose some of the layer of fat that cushions your blood vessels and protects you from injury. Both of these things mean you may get more bruises, even from a minor bump. Bruises happen when blood leaks out of your veins and capillaries and pools under your skin because there isn’t an opening for the blood to get out of your body.

Unfortunately, nothing can prevent reactions to alcohol or ingredients in alcoholic beverages. To avoid a reaction, avoid alcohol or the particular substance that causes your reaction. Although not a true allergy, in some cases, what seems to be alcohol intolerance might be your reaction to something in an alcoholic beverage — such as chemicals, grains or preservatives. Combining alcohol with certain medications also can cause reactions.