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What can Cause a Black Bruise?

Anna T.
Anna T.

On the average person, a black bruise is most likely the result of some type of injury. Certain diseases such as hemophilia, leukemia, or lymphoma may also result in black bruising. Some people also tend to bruise more easily than others as a result of a variety of factors not related to disease. Nutritional deficiencies, certain medications, and the age of a person also have an effect on how likely they are to develop any type of bruise.

In most cases, a bruise that is black has been on the body for at least a few days. Bruises go through many colors as they heal, and tend to look much worse before they look better. Green, purple, blue and black are the most common bruise colors. If a black bruise was the result of an injury, it may also swell up slightly and feel tender to the touch. People who bruise easily often become concerned because they may not recall what happened to cause the bruise.

An ice pack, which can help with a bruise.
An ice pack, which can help with a bruise.

A black bruise on someone with hemophilia is usually the result of bleeding underneath the skin. People with hemophilia bleed more freely than others because they do not have enough clotting agents in their blood to make it stop. This can cause excessive bruising on the body from very minor accidents. Most hemophiliacs are diagnosed with the disorder around the age of one or two, which is when most babies become active and start developing bruises as a result of increased play.

Trauma is a common cause of a black bruise.
Trauma is a common cause of a black bruise.

Leukemia and lymphoma are other diseases that may result in excessive bruising. Both diseases are forms of blood cancers and result in a lower platelet count in persons affected. People who have either disease may notice a black bruise or bruises on their bodies. Their bruises are typically a result of minor injuries or accidents that are likely not memorable and wouldn't cause a bruise under normal circumstances.

Bruises go through many colors as they heal.
Bruises go through many colors as they heal.

Not everyone who notices many bruises on their body is likely to have a disease. Sometimes people bruise easily because they are anemic, have low levels of iron in the blood, or are deficient in certain types of vitamins. Women are normally more prone to bruising than men, and most people notice more bruises as they age due to thinning of the skin. Additionally, people taking blood thinners or other prescription medications bruise frequently as a result of the drugs. A person who is concerned by a black bruise or any amount of excessive bruising on the body may be able to ease their worries by speaking with a doctor to rule out any serious causes.

Discussion Comments

ZsaZsa56

A friend of mine had a black eye bruise that was truly black. He got punched by a guy who was much bigger than him right in the eye and it was black and swollen for well over a week. For the first two days he could barely see out of it.

Honestly, though, it serves him right. He was being a huge jerk that night and if I was the other guy I would have punched my friend too. A buddy is a buddy but everyone can cross the line.

truman12

I have a big black bruise on my leg where I got kicked in a soccer game last week. I don't think I have ever had a bruise this bad. It is not the bluish purple of most bruises, it is straight up black as midnight. Do you guys think I should have a doctor look at it? It is still sore but it gets better every day. I am mostly just concerned about the color.

tigers88

I have always been very susceptible to bruising and unfortunately I have had a number of black bruises throughout my life. It seems like the smallest fall or nudge and suddenly I have a big unsightly bruise on my arm or my leg.

I have talked to my doctor about it but he said that there is really nothing that can be done. There are things to do to lessen the symptoms, but they have a mild effect and they will not prevent bruises all together. It is just something I have had to learn to live with.

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    • An ice pack, which can help with a bruise.
      By: Marc Dietrich
      An ice pack, which can help with a bruise.
    • Trauma is a common cause of a black bruise.
      By: studioJowita
      Trauma is a common cause of a black bruise.
    • Bruises go through many colors as they heal.
      By: PeJo
      Bruises go through many colors as they heal.
    • Those with blood disorders may develop black bruises even from minor accidents.
      By: Harald Biebel
      Those with blood disorders may develop black bruises even from minor accidents.
    • Bruises go through many colors as they heal, and tend to look much worse before they look better.
      By: Dusan Kostic
      Bruises go through many colors as they heal, and tend to look much worse before they look better.
    • A black bruise is often a sign of abuse.
      By: Warren Goldswain
      A black bruise is often a sign of abuse.