I have started to get a lot of bruising on my skin.

What are bruises and why is this happening?

l Bruises appear where tiny blood vessels, called capillaries, have broken or burst, leaking blood under the skin. The blood vessels burst as a result of banging or hitting your skin.

Bleeding under the skin makes a red or purple mark, which over time fades through shades of yellow or green. Bruises often feel tender or swollen at first.

Some people are naturally more likely to bruise than others – for example they don’t have as much fat covering their arms or legs.

If you suddenly get lots of bruises, or start to bruise for no apparent reason, tell your GP. Unusual bruising is sometimes a symptom of illness, such as a problem with your liver or blood-clotting mechanisms.

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