alcoholism bruising

Alcoholic neuropathy is caused by nutritional deficiency, as well as toxins that build up in the body. Alcohol decreases the absorption of nutrients such as magnesium, selenium, and vitamins B1 and B2, causing significant deficits that affect many areas of the body, including the nerves. When that happens, it’s best to consult a professional to prevent the issue from becoming a full-blown alcoholism. The inability to stop drinking while being aware of the consequences indicates that you may be developing alcohol dependence. If minor trauma causes bruises and bleeding under the skin, more serious injuries from accidents or falls can cause more bleeding than expected. Bruising can be one of the side effects of alcohol dependence, but it’s not the sole cause of it.

Alcoholic Hepatitis vs. Viral Hepatitis

Treatment also involves dietary changes and medications to reduce inflammation. Severe alcoholic hepatitis can come on suddenly, such as after binge drinking, and can be life threatening. Alcoholic fatty liver disease can be reversed by abstaining from alcohol for at least several alcoholism bruising weeks. Below, we’ll explore the early signs of alcohol-related liver disease, what alcohol actually does to your liver, and what steps you can take in your day-to-day life to improve your liver health. Abstaining from drinking alcohol is the first step in treating ALD.

alcoholism bruising

Effects of Alcoholic Neuropathy

  • While throwing up can make you feel miserable, it is one of your body’s self-defense mechanisms to remove excess toxins from the alcohol consumed.
  • These damaged cells are prematurely destroyed in the spleen, and the patient may develop acute hemolytic anemia.
  • Mood swings, depression and feelings of guilt and shame are common.
  • Even if an alcoholism sufferer accepts treatment because of pressure from family, an employer, or a medical professional, he or she can benefit from it.
  • Some people bruise more easily than others, and the bruising can take longer to heal.

These symptoms can occur six to 24 hours after their last drink. Blood pooling and clotting beneath the surface causes skin discoloration. Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and avoiding liver-damaging foods such as fried foods, can also help the liver heal during treatment. In some cases, supplementation with vitamins may be recommended. While the early stages may have no symptoms, later stages can cause symptoms such as fatigue, swelling in the hands and legs, jaundice, loss of appetite, and weakness.

What Are The Common Signs Of Alcohol Use Disorder?

If a person continues to drink despite health-related problems, bruises after drinking may be a consequence that arises from alcohol misuse. You’ll want to find a rehab center that has medically-supervised detox capabilities so that you can comfortably and safely detox from alcohol. There are inpatient and outpatient options, but an addiction specialist should determine the best level of care for you based on your individual needs. Effective addiction treatment providers will have addiction counselors, but they should also have mental health services as many people with alcoholism have co-occurring mental health conditions. To prevent alcoholic liver disease and other conditions linked to the consumption of alcohol, doctors advise people to follow National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) guidelines. Doctors may also recommend weight loss and quitting smoking as excess weight and smoking have both demonstrated a role in worsening alcoholic liver disease.

Medical Professionals

alcoholism bruising

Hemolysis can be an underlying cause of anemia, and several types of hemolytic anemia may be caused by chronic heavy alcohol consumption. Diagnosing hemolysis in alcoholic patients is not easy, because these patients frequently exhibit confounding conditions, such as alcohol withdrawal, abnormal folic acid levels, bleeding, or an enlarged spleen. Binge drinking alcohol can be related to alcohol use disorders or mental health conditions.

alcoholism bruising

Causes of Alcoholic Neuropathy

  • Under conditions of folic acid deficiency, precursor cells cannot divide properly and large immature and nonfunctional cells (i.e., megaloblasts) accumulate in the bone marrow as well as in the bloodstream.
  • If your bruise doesn’t improve within two weeks, or if you start to notice frequent, unexplained bruises—whether you’re drunk or sober—call your doctor.
  • As the liver no longer processes toxins properly, a person will be more sensitive to medications and alcohol.
  • You may also benefit from a support group to help you reduce your drinking or completely quit drinking alcohol.