Table of Contents
Women and the Bruising Phenomenon
Even on social media, the topic of “women and bruises” is being teased. Because most of us know it: We constantly notice bruises and green spots on our arms or legs without being able to explain where they come from. The phenomenon is less familiar to men.
But is this a rumour? Are women just more clumsy or do they take a closer look? Or are women actually more prone to bruises?
We got to the bottom of this myth and reveal why women really get bruises more often than men.
structure of the skin
In order to understand the phenomenon of bruises, the structure of the skin should be known. The skin is made up of three different layers: the epidermis, the underlying dermis (sweat glands, hair follicles and capillary vessels are located here) and finally the subcutis, which consists largely of fat, blood vessels and supporting structures.
If we bump into each other, a bruise occurs because blood vessels in the dermis or even the subcutis are injured. Some blood then escapes from the vessels into the surrounding tissue, which we perceive as a dark spot.
Also exciting: Fast help with bruises >>
This reveals the color of the bruise
The color of the bruise allows conclusions to be drawn about the layer in which it is located. The deeper the injury, the darker the spot looks. Really deep black or purple spots are located in the subcutis, while light blue or brownish spots are more likely to be on the skin surface.
This is why women are more prone to bruises
In fact, we’re not imagining it: women bruise more easily than men! Why?
In the dermis, collagen forms a network of fibers that hold the rest of the skin together like a web and keep the skin taut. The blood vessels are just underneath. And here the dog lies: There is a clear difference in the collagen network between men and women.
Women’s skin naturally has more fat and less collagen. This is due to the fact that the skin must be able to expand during pregnancy.
In men, on the other hand, the connective tissue is firmer and the collagen layer is denser and thicker. As a result, their underlying blood vessels are much better protected.
So if we push ourselves, the connective tissue absorbs less pressure and our blood vessels are attacked more quickly than is the case with men.
Apropos: Due to these structural differences, women also have cellulite much more often than men!
Also exciting: The right diet for cellulite >>
Another factor in the susceptibility to hematoma: the hormone estrogen, which is found in increased quantities in the female body, weakens the walls of the blood vessels. This is why women get varicose veins more often.
Factors for frequent bruising
Because of their natural skin texture, women are generally more prone to bruises than men. But there are also differences among themselves: some women only have to look at an object to bruise it, while others are more robust.
This can be due to various factors:
- Age: With increasing age, the blood vessel walls become more fragile and the skin becomes thinner due to degrading collagen
- Medications: Some blood-thinning preparations such as the acetylsalicylic acid in aspirin, for example, can reduce blood clotting. As a result, injured capillaries are not closed again so quickly and a bruise is more likely to form.
- Other diseases: Anyone who suddenly notices a lot of bruising should be examined by a doctor. This may be an indication of more serious problems
- Varying Connective Tissue: Connective tissue can vary in strength due to lifestyle and genetics. Women who suffer from particularly high levels of cellulite probably have weaker connective tissue and are also more prone to bruising.
