If you have cirrhosis from alcohol liver damage, you’re also more likely to bleed and bruise easily. Continuing to drink, even when it causes health problems, is a sign of an alcohol use disorder. Someone who lives with an alcohol use disorder may experience lasting brain changes that make it difficult to stop drinking. If you’re aware that drinking is causing health problems, such as liver issues and bruising from alcohol, but you’re unable to stop drinking on your own, it’s time to seek treatment.

alcohol and bruising

The most destructive form of alcoholism is chronic alcoholism, an emotionally, socially and physically devastating disease. Alcoholism emerges from alcohol abuse, when there’s a pattern https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/why-does-alcohol-cause-bruising/ of drinking despite negative consequences. Alcoholism and alcohol abuse are both categorized as alcohol use disorders—affecting people of all ages and stages of life.

What is the cause of red, bruised skin after drinking alcohol? How to treat?

Computed tomography scan without contrast of the extremity showing subtle changes of the hematoma primarily in the calf muscle. Back of the leg showing extensive discoloration of the skin and extension of hematoma under the skin. Additionally, research has shown that alcohol may alter the composition of helpful microorganisms in your gut. These organisms play a crucial role in your gut and immune system function.

alcohol and bruising

If you’re not consciously keeping track of the drinks you’ve chugged, it’s easy to go over these limits. For some of us, half a dozen drinks during a night out aren’t yet enough to faze us. And yes, you may feel great and energized upon waking up—but that doesn’t mean you didn’t have too much to drink the night before. In some people, the initial reaction may feel like an increase in energy. But as you continue to drink, you become drowsy and have less control over your actions.

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Blood flow can lead to bruising in the treated area, so keeping blood flow to a minimum is important during recovery. Ice and cold packs constrict blood vessels and reduces the amount of blood that leaks into the surrounding tissue of the treated area. It’s also possible that you could develop liver cirrhosis and gut damage and become less able to absorb and process nutrients. He added that in extreme forms of alcoholism, weight loss is also possible as people can sometimes lose any interest in food. Steroids like prednisone can also cause easy bruising, because they thin the skin. If you notice this happening, don’t stop taking your medication, but do talk to your doctor about it.

How can a bruise get worse?

Sometimes a bruise gets worse instead of better. It may become larger and more swollen. This can occur when your body walls off a small pool of blood under the skin (hematoma). In very rare cases, your doctor may need to drain extra blood from the area.

Alcohol-induced hepatitis begins quietly, often without symptoms. Many people fail to recognize the damage that chronic heavy drinking may be doing to their livers. But early recognition is your best hope of catching and reversing the effects of alcohol-induced hepatitis. If you have a history of heavy alcohol use and/or symptoms of liver disease, call your healthcare provider. They’ll check out your liver, assess any possible damage and help you change your habits to change your health future.

Symptoms & Signs A-Z List

Alcoholic jaundice is usually found in the progressive, final stages of liver disease. Hence, seeking professional medical advice is crucial if you notice such symptoms. Well, alcohol intake may lead to night sweats by speeding up your heart rate and widening your blood vessels, triggering the release of perspiration. Drinking too much alcohol may lead to a tingling sensation or numbness in your legs, feet, or hands, known as alcoholic neuropathy. This is one of the most common side effects of long-term alcohol consumption. Heavy drinking can lead to easy bruising and bleeding, and not just because you’re more prone to falling and hitting table corners when drunk.

  • So, let us discuss how to prevent bruising from alcohol, such as drinking responsibly, keeping hydrated, eating before drinking, and a few more.
  • While bumping into something while drinking may seem relatively harmless, the truth is that excessive drinking can set you up for serious injuries from falling or other accidents.
  • Symptoms include agitation, changing mood, confusion, and pain, numbness, or a tingling sensation in your arms or legs.
  • Mindful drinking offers that middle ground where you’ll proactively improve your drinking habits without any pressure to quit.