Have you ever noticed that you bruise easily? You know what we mean. Those black and blue marks that look unsightly, and even after time turns them yellow, they aren’t any prettier. Not only do they look scary, but in some instances they can also be painful. And sometimes they’re a cause for concern because they may mean that you have an underlying medical problem, and it could be serious.

Today, we’ll explore why bruising happens, how you can prevent it, and when it might signal something more serious. And here’s a clue about one possible cause—some vitamin deficiencies might be playing a role.

What is Bruising?

Ecchymosis. That’s the medical term for bruising. It sounds as icky (that’s a non-medical term) as your bruises may look.

A bruise is what happens when small blood vessels burst underneath your skin’s surface, causing the blood to spill out from the capillaries and form a puddle just underneath the skin. Unlike cuts, where blood escapes the body, a bruise stays under the skin, changing colors as it heals—from red or blue to purple, then green or yellow, before finally disappearing.

Bruises is typically due to minor injuries—bumping into furniture, accidental impacts, or even a simple blood draw. However, some health conditions may make you more prone to bruising, even if they don’t directly cause it.

When Should You Be Concerned?

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