Bruises occur when small blood vessels break and bleed beneath the skin.
If you bruise easily, here are possible reasons why, courtesy of the University of Cincinnati's Net Wellness program:
* If you take blood-thinning medications, such as heparin or warfarin; over-the-counter medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen; or certain herbal supplements.
* If you drink too much alcohol.
* If you have a vitamin C deficiency.
* If you have certain conditions of the liver or kidneys.
* If you have certain bleeding disorders, including hemophilia or von Willebrand's disease.
* Normal aging.