Excessive alcohol consumption can weaken the blood vessels in the skin, making them more prone to damage and discoloration. Stopping is impossible at this point without professional help because of the severe and potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms that would occur if they quit cold turkey. At this stage, the alcoholic may appear to be functioning normally and is unlikely to have performance problems at work, school or in other settings.
- If you are someone who bruises easily, it is advisable to moderate your alcohol consumption.
- Alcohol-induced bruises are indeed painful and unsightly, especially the alcohol bruising on arms and legs, but don’t worry!
- This is because it affects the prefrontal cortex, which is the part of the brain that controls reasoning and higher brain function.
The Blood Thinning Properties of Alcohol
Individuals with thin or sensitive skin may be more prone to bruising, regardless of alcohol consumption. However, alcohol can increase the likelihood and severity of bruising in all skin types. The color of a bruise is primarily determined by the depth of the bruising and the breakdown of blood under the skin, rather than alcohol consumption. All types of alcohol can contribute to bruising, as it’s the alcohol content itself that affects blood thinning and blood vessel fragility.
Binge Drinking (Alcohol), Bruising Or Discoloration, Dizziness And Dry Skin
The toxic byproducts of alcohol metabolism can damage bone marrow, which slows production of platelets and blood cells. While waking up with bruises after alcohol may seem random, there are actually a few key reasons why this happens. Understanding the causes can help you take steps to reduce your risks. Over time, the damage done can lead to alcoholic neuropathy, where the peripheral nerves in your limbs have been badly damaged by alcohol. Severe alcohol consumption can impair the immune system, which can leave a person at greater risk of infections and skin sores (abscesses).
The Importance of Medical Evaluation
This means that even minor bumps or injuries can lead to more significant bruising than would typically occur. For individuals who consume large alcoholic bruising quantities of alcohol regularly, this risk is heightened. If you’re concerned about your tendency to bruise easily—especially if you’re a regular drinker—consulting with a healthcare professional is advisable.
- As a result, you may find yourself having frequent sore throat pains, catching colds and infections more often.
- In these situations, it is generally recommended to avoid alcohol altogether given the compounding effects on bleeding risks.
- Alcohol is a diuretic which means it dehydrates you and dries out your skin.
- Easy bruising and bleeding are signs of cirrhosis, which is a serious liver disorder.
- Brain changes from repeated alcohol misuse lead to compulsive drinking and make it difficult to stop without treatment.
If you catch liver damage in its earlier stages, it may be reversible with treatment and lifestyle changes. If you experience any signs of liver damage, call your healthcare provider. ARLD does not often cause symptoms until Sobriety it’s reached an advanced stage. If you misuse alcohol, you may have liver damage, even though you have none of the symptoms above. If you’re worried about your drinking habits or bruising, talk to a doctor. They can help you determine whether you have a problem and what to do next.
