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If you bruise from the smallest bump or find a black and blue and have no idea where it came from, it's normal to wonder what's going on beneath your skin.

Bruises occur when tiny blood vessels under the skin break after a bump or fall.

A study in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology stated skin and blood vessels become more fragile with age, and bruises can show up more easily the older someone gets.

Medications, supplements and even some medical conditions can also play a role, according to guidelines from the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Dr Bethany Samuelson Bannow, director of classical hematology at the Cleveland Clinic Cancer Institute in Cleveland, Ohio, says aging skin is one of the most common reasons for easy bruising.

'The most common cause is probably increased skin fragility with aging,' she said. 'We can also see it with some medications, like steroids, especially with longer term use. Use of aspirin or other NSAIDs [nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs] can also increase bruising.'

Dr Bimal Ashar, clinical director of general internal medicine at Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland agrees.

'Easy bruising is extremely common, especially as we get older. Most bruises are simply the result of tiny blood vessels breaking after everyday bumps. As we get older, those blood vessels become more fragile, so bruising becomes much more common,' he stated.

While most bruises are harmless and fade on their own, if bruising is new, frequent, painful or hard to explain, it is worth paying attention to.

Bruises occur when tiny blood vessels under the skin break after a bump or fall

Medications and Supplements Can Play A Role

If your bruising has changed, check your medicine cabinet.

Blood thinners, aspirin, antiplatelet drugs, anti-inflammatory medicines, steroids and some supplements can all make bruising more likely.

If you're concerned about a drug's side effects, do not stop a prescribed medicine on your own - ask your doctor first.

'Sometimes bruising is actually a sign that the medication is doing exactly what it's supposed to do in reducing the blood's ability to clot,' Ashar said.

'The key is balancing that benefit against bleeding risk, so people should never stop these medications without talking to their clinician.'

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen, often called NSAIDs, can also make bruising more likely.

If you are unsure what is safe to take, check with your clinician.

Could Your Diet Play A Role In Bruising?

For most people who eat a mix of foods, vitamin deficiency is not the likely cause. But nutrition can matter if someone has a very limited diet, trouble absorbing nutrients or a history of poor nutrition.

'Vitamin C deficiency can contribute to increased bruising typically through changes in the skin due to an impaired ability of the body to make collagen,' said Samuelson Bannow.

However, Ashar notes that most people with normal diets are not bruising because of vitamin deficiencies.

'Patients with underlying medical problems that impair absorption of nutrients [such as intestinal diseases] or people with highly restricted diets, alcohol use disorder, or other causes of malnutrition are the exception to that and can develop severe nutritional deficiencies that can contribute to bruising and bleeding,' he added.

President Donald Trump has been seen with bruises on his hands, which officials say is from shaking so many hands

When Bruising Deserves A Closer Look

Most bruises are not a sign of a serious bleeding problem. Still, call your doctor if bruises show up for no clear reason, keep getting bigger, appear in unusual places or come with other bleeding symptoms.

Bruises on the arms and legs are often from normal bumps; bruises on the chest, belly, inner arms or inner legs may need a closer look.

'Bruising starting in infancy is a warning sign for an inherited bleeding disorder,' said Samuelson Bannow.

'Newly developed bruising is particularly concerning when it occurs over a very large area [at least an inch in width or larger] and/or occurs on "protected" parts of the body, like the chest, abdomen or inner arms and legs as opposed to parts of our body we commonly hit when we bump into things.'

Other warning signs include nosebleeds, bleeding gums, blood in the stool or urine, very heavy periods, swelling in the legs or belly, or yellowing of the skin or eyes, Ashar added.

When to Contact Your Doctor

A good rule of thumb: if bruising is new, getting worse, hard to explain or happening along with other bleeding, call your primary care provider. They can help figure out whether it is likely related to everyday bumps, age or medications or whether you need testing to rule out other health issues.

'I would recommend pretty much anyone with new or concerning bruising to start with their primary care provider and they can refer for specialized care if needed,' Samuelson Bannow said.

'Urgent medical care is rarely needed for bruising by itself, but if additional bleeding symptoms, like blood in the stool, nosebleeds or prolonged bleeding from minor cuts/injuries develop, urgent care may be indicated.'

If a bruise follows a clear bump and slowly fades, it is usually not a reason to panic, but if bruising is new or unexplained, you should see a doctor

What a Doctor May Check

At the visit, your healthcare professional may ask when the bruising started, where it shows up, what medicines or supplements you take, and whether you have other bleeding symptoms. Blood tests may check blood counts, platelets, clotting, liver function and kidney function.

'The history often provides as much information as the laboratory tests. The provider will typically ask about current medications and supplements, alcohol intake, recent illnesses, pattern and location of bruising, and family history of bleeding disorders,' explained Ashar.

Laboratory tests will typically start with a complete blood count (CBC) to evaluate platelet number and look for blood disorders, additional blood tests may then be ordered to assess how well your blood is clotting, as well liver and kidney function.

If these are abnormal, or if suspicion remains high, additional testing or a referral to a hematologist would be indicated, Ashar told Daily Mail.

Why It's Important to Stay Active Without Over-Worrying

You do not need to panic over every mark. Bruises are part of life. Staying active, eating well, reducing fall risks at home and reviewing medicines with your healthcare provider can help you stay safe without putting life on hold.

'Staying active actually reduces the risk of serious injury because it improves balance, strength, and coordination,' said Ashar. 'The goal isn't to stop moving, it's to move safely.'

Samuelson Bannow offers reassurance, too: 'There really isn't anything that can or should be done. In an otherwise healthy person eating a reasonably balanced diet - no strict avoidance of fruits and vegetables for example - bruising is a normal part of life and isn't something that needs to be worried about.'

The Bottom Line

If a bruise follows a clear bump and slowly fades, it is usually not a reason to panic, but if bruising is new, unexplained, spreading, growing quickly or comes with other bleeding, call your doctor.