can drinking alcohol cause bruising

The rats that received estrogen showed the benefit of having reduced weight gain and fat mass. However, compared to the rat group that did not receive estrogen, the estrogen group experienced higher blood pressure and decreased cardiac functioning. While each study had a different focus, they both showed the detrimental effects alcohol can have on heart health.

  • Heavy drinkers are more likely to have psoriasis than nondrinkers, and alcohol intake is known to exacerbate existing psoriasis.
  • Treatment of EDS is focused on easing symptoms such as joint pain and improving joint function.
  • However, when overburdened by alcohol, it can suffer significant damage, leading to severe health problems.
  • Maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise routine can support liver health and improve overall well-being.
  • Blood cells called platelets stop your bleeding, but the pool of blood under your skin can change your skin color and cause swelling, pain, and tenderness.

Effects of Alcohol on Blood Vessels

  • It’s not completely clear why some people are more prone to this complication than others.
  • When drinking becomes compulsive, as is the case with alcohol use disorder, a person may place themselves in danger when consuming alcohol, because drinking becomes more important than safety.
  • It could be a sign that you’ve got a condition called cirrhosis, which is scarring of the liver.

Chronic and excessive alcohol use disrupts the balance of bacteria in the gut microbiome (dysbiosis). Over time, this imbalance triggers chronic gastrointestinal inflammation, leading to a higher risk of gastrointestinal diseases. In our blood there are tiny particles called clotting factors and platelets; their job is to form clots only when the vessel wall is damaged (when you are wounded). It was very surprising for me to know that we damage our vessels every time you scratch your hand, kick the ball or keep your arm on the armrest for a long time! Micro-bleeds form at the location of these unnoticeable injuries and clotting factors along with the platelets take care of these micro-bleeds.

Dangers Of Alcohol-Related Bruises

Individuals who consume alcohol should be aware of this risk and take steps to reduce it, such as limiting alcohol intake, staying hydrated, and maintaining a balanced diet. If you experience excessive or unexplained bruising, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying health issues and address any concerns promptly. If you’re concerned about alcohol-induced bruising, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk.

Loss of appetite and weight loss

People over 65 years old and those assigned female at birth (AFAB) are more likely to get bruises than others because these groups generally have thinner skin and smaller blood vessels. One study showed that the development of a yellow color was the most noticeable change in a bruise over time. The development of a yellow color happened much faster in people who are younger than 65 years old. This study also showed that yellow bruises were generally older than 18 hours. 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.

Night sweats

Additionally, heavy drinkers usually get most of their calories from alcohol. The problem is that alcohol is a wellspring of empty calories—which are calories with minimal nutritional value. Hence, consuming alcohol as your primary source of fuel will lead to poor can drinking alcohol cause bruising nutrition and weight loss. Research studies on the association between weight gain and alcohol consumption have ended in conflicting results. In other words, weight gain isn’t inevitable, but you could still tip the scale up from drinking too much alcohol.

can drinking alcohol cause bruising

It’s very important to see your doctor right away if you’re experiencing unexplained bruising—especially if you have other symptoms like unintentional weight loss, fatigue, or a low-grade fever. If excessive alcohol consumption continues, inflammation levels can begin to increase in the liver. Although stopping drinking alcohol is the most effective treatment for alcoholic liver disease, it is not a complete cure. People who have progressed to alcoholic hepatitis or cirrhosis most likely will not be able to reverse the disease. Although 90% of people who drink heavily develop fatty liver disease, only 20% to 40% will go on to develop alcoholic hepatitis.

  • However, if you bruise easily, even a minor bump can result in a substantial bruise.
  • Subjects who developed psoriasis reported drinking 2 to 3 drinks per week or more.
  • Symptoms include weight loss, fatigue, muscle cramps, easy bruising, and jaundice.

can drinking alcohol cause bruising

Ecchymosis (pronounced eh-kuh-mow-sis) is the medical term for a bruise. An ecchymosis is bigger around than 1 centimeter, which is about as big around as a triple-A battery. Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and avoiding liver-damaging foods such as fried foods, can also help the liver heal during treatment.

can drinking alcohol cause bruising

Conditions That May Mimic Alcoholic Neuropathy

Most bruises form when small blood vessels (capillaries) near the skin’s surface are broken by the impact of a blow or injury — often on the arms or legs. When this happens, blood leaks out of the vessels and initially appears as a dark mark. If you’re experiencing easy bruising, you might have questions about what’s causing it and what you can do about it. Find out what role aging plays and when to consult a health care provider. But in very rare cases, people develop hemophilia later in life when the body produces antibodies that attack the clotting factors in the blood. Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder, affecting up to 1% of the population.

Drinking without eating beforehand can also increase the chances of feeling unwell, as the food helps slow the rate of alcohol absorption. Alcohol contains biologically active compounds, known as congeners, which contribute to the taste, smell, and look of a beverage. Drinks with fewer congeners may lead to less severe hangover symptoms, including nausea, than drinks with more congeners. Often drinks containing a higher content of pure alcohol, such as gin or vodka, have fewer congeners compared to drinks with less pure alcohol, such as red wine or whiskey.

can drinking alcohol cause bruising

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