Publication date: August 15, 2022
We all have bruises from time to time. This can occur when you bump or fall. But as you get older, you can get this more quickly. We will explain to you why this can be.
Bruise
A bruise occurs when a blood vessel is damaged. For example, because you hit yourself, this subcutaneous blood will leak, which ends up in the tissue under the skin. This creates a blue or red spot in the skin. After a few days, this spot often turns green or yellow in color. This color change is because the substance hemoglobin in your blood is converted into yellow pigments.
Also read: Doctor Teds Consultation hour: (spontaneous) bruises
Age
These spots can develop more quickly as you get older. This has a simple explanation. Over the years, your blood vessels become weaker and the skin thinner. As a result, you lose the protective fat layer and can damage your blood vessels more quickly and leak blood in the event of a fall or impact.
Collagen
The decrease in collagen also ensures that you can bruise more quickly. Collagen is an important protein and part of the connective tissue, which ensures that your skin is firm. When this decreases with age, your skin also becomes thinner. This makes blood vessels more vulnerable. In addition, women generally contain less collagen than men, so that they can suffer from bruising faster anyway.
Also read: Not bumped but still a bruise? These could be the causes
Usually a bruise is harmless and will go away on its own. If you notice that you have them spontaneously and often, it may be wise to consult your doctor.
(Source: archive, Skin doctor, Quest, Margriet. Photo: Shutterstock)