CBS 19 - The Eye of East Texas News - Excessive bruising could be something more serious

Excessive bruising could be something more serious

(CNN) - Bruises may be common, but two years ago, Melanie Fowler wasn't taking any chances when discolorations starting showing up more often on her skin and in unusual places.

"I had a big bruise on my upper eyelid and I knew I had not hit myself or I had not been rubbing my eye very hard.  Then the following morning I woke up and I had a bruise all the way up my leg," explained Melanie.

Melanie ended up seeing hematologist Christine Kempton.  She determined that Melanie's daily fish oil supplement in combination with a baby aspirin were causing the bruising.  When she quit taking them, the bruising stopped.

"Aspirin inhibits your platelet function so it's not uncommon that it might increase your likelihood of bruising," said Dr. Kempton.

Experts say aging can also make you more susceptible to bruises.

Dr. Kempton explained, "Your subcutaneous kind of fat, the buffer between your skin and your blood vessel may become thinner as well so your likelihood to have a bruise increases as you age."

Kempton recommends checking with a doctor if bruises last more than few days or become more frequent.  It might mean something more serious is going on.