After waking up one morning, you may notice unexplained bruises on your body, often on your arms and legs, which are commonly referred to as “ghost bites.” But what exactly causes these bruises, and are they a sign of an illness?
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(Photo: nld) |
Our bodies contain a rich network of blood vessels. Blood pumped from the heart travels through major arteries to increasingly smaller vessels, eventually reaching capillaries that deliver oxygen-rich blood and nutrients to every cell in the body. It then collects carbon dioxide and waste products from the cells and returns to the heart through the venous system.
These arterial and venous systems, particularly the capillaries, can rupture due to minor external trauma, leading to the formation of seemingly random bruises.
What causes these blood vessels to become more fragile? In older adults, the fragility of capillaries often leads to frequent unexplained bruising.
In younger individuals, various factors can contribute to the fragility of the vascular system, with one of the most common causes being a deficiency in vitamin C. If you frequently notice bruises, you should consider supplementing with vitamin C, taking between 0.5 to 1 gram daily, or consuming fresh fruits rich in this vitamin, such as lemons, cherries, and grapefruits.
If the bruising persists after a month, it is advisable to consult a doctor for further examinations to determine whether these bruises indicate an underlying health issue, such as diabetes, kidney failure, connective tissue disease, or more serious conditions like blood cancer that require timely treatment.
