Older people are much more susceptible to bruising easily, too, because skin becomes thinner and blood vessels become weaker as we age. Excessive alcohol usage damages liver cells, impairing this crucial function over years. Moderating alcohol consumption and adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, may help prevent alcohol-related bruising. No, bruises can occur due to various reasons such as physical trauma or the use of certain medications, in addition to alcohol consumption.
- This happens because it interferes with the production of platelets (and other blood cells) in the bone marrow.
- Chronic alcohol misuse has a negative effect on every system of the body.
- The potential for bruising grows, as even sleep of poor quality may not allow that quality repair of damaged blood vessels to take place.
- Alcohol can reduce pain sensitivity, potentially making bruises feel less painful.
Blood and Platelet Disorders
Certain medications and health conditions can also increase bruising risks independent of alcohol. There are several causes of bruises after drinking; some of these causes are not particularly serious, whereas others could point to a health problem. Perhaps the most common cause of bruising from alcohol is that alcohol acts as a vasodilator, making blood vessels larger. One of the diagnostic criteria that points toward an alcohol use disorder is continuing to drink, even in the face of consequences. These consequences can include relationship problems, difficulty fulfilling duties at work or home, or a worsening of health problems. If a person continues to drink despite health-related problems, bruises after drinking may be a consequence that arises from alcohol misuse.
When to see your doctor
- Learning to understand the interaction of drugs might be the very first step toward reducing bruising after alcohol intake and keeping one fit.
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- This article explains the relationship between anxiety and easy bruising.
- This effect may explain why you’re waking up with bruises after drinking.
- Bruises occur when blood comes out of blood vessels into the skin or just below the skin’s surface.
But if you bruise more easily all the time after chronic heavy drinking, it may be a sign of significant health concern. 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 do you bruise easier when drunk level of them can cause easy Sobriety bruising.
What Causes Bruises from Alcohol?
Talk to your doctor about all new, changing, persistent, and returning symptoms as some medical conditions and medications can cause anxiety-like symptoms. You should also seek medical attention if your bruises appear on parts of your body where injuries are unlikely to occur, like your torso, back, face or on the backs of your hands. Ditto if they start to appear after you’ve started a new medication.
- This increased blood flow means more blood might escape the vessel if it ruptures.
- Home treatment may speed healing and relieve the swelling and soreness from bruises that are caused by injury.
- 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.
- But long-term and excessive alcohol consumption can lead to liver inflammation (liver hepatitis).
- Consuming alcohol on an empty stomach is said to have negative consequences such as increased bruise risk and other side effects.
- Excessive drinking may also lead to an alcoholic blackout, a condition reached when the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is over 0.16%.
Alcohol is a vasodilator, it does bring out this feeling of dilatation in any single body organ throughout the body’s vessels. I have been doing the sessions for the last few weeks and it has been a life changer experience. They will educate you on ABC Medication, breathing technique and nutrition. The bruises themselves aren’t dangerous, but the reason that causes does alcohol make you bruise easier them is. The bruises may also appear in unusual patterns or locations, such as on the trunk or back, where major impacts are less likely.
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. Brain changes from repeated alcohol misuse lead to compulsive drinking and make it difficult to stop without treatment.
