Bruising: Symptoms

What other symptoms might occur with bruising?

Bruising may be accompanied by other symptoms that vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. Skin bruises are often associated with local pain, swelling and skin discoloration. Easy bruising or unexplained bruising, which may be due to an underlying bleeding or blood disorder, may be accompanied by other bleeding symptoms.

Symptoms that may occur along with bruising

Bruising may occur with other symptoms including:

• Bleeding gums

• Flu-like symptoms (fatigue, fever, sore throat, headache, cough, aches and pains)

• Heavy menstrual flow

• Joint pain

• Local swelling or inflammation

• Nosebleeds

• Painful or tender area

• Poor wound healing

Serious symptoms that might indicate a life-threatening condition

In some cases, bruising may occur with other symptoms that might indicate a serious or life-threatening condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of the following symptoms:

• Change in level of consciousness or alertness, such as passing out or unresponsiveness

• Deformity or loss of function of the bruised area

• Dizziness or light-headedness

• Extreme pain, swelling or feeling of pressure in the bruised area

• High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)

• Nausea or vomiting

• Petechiae (tiny pinpoint red or purple dots from bleeding under the skin)

• Respiratory or breathing problems, such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, labored breathing, wheezing, not breathing, or choking

• Seizure

• Stiff neck

• Vomiting blood, bloody stools or rectal bleeding

• Yellow eyes and skin (jaundice)