Bruising, medically called ecchymosis, happens when tiny blood vessels under the skin burst, causing blood to pool beneath the surface. Unlike a cut, the blood doesn’t escape but creates the dark mark we see as a bruise.

There are many reasons bruises appear, from minor bumps to underlying conditions. As the article explains, “some of the medical conditions associated with bruising may not necessarily cause the actual bruise but may make you more vulnerable to bruising.”

One possible factor is vitamin deficiency. The blog hints that “you can add bruises as one more potential thing that may result from a lack of specific vitamins.” Low levels of nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin K, or iron may affect blood clotting and skin strength, increasing the chance of bruising.

Bruises can also signal the body is sending a warning. While occasional bruising is normal, frequent or unexplained marks may point to an underlying issue worth checking with a doctor.

Understanding what causes bruises and how your body reacts can help you prevent them in the future — or recognize when they might be a sign of something more serious.