Blood vessel disorders that cause bleeding result from blood vessel defects, typically causing red to purple discoloration of the skin or bruising, but seldom causing serious blood loss. Bleeding may be a result of connective tissue disorders, vitamin deficiencies, or conditions that cause blood vessel inflammation. Bleeding under the skin may also be more common among older people (senile purpura).

Last full review/revision January 2013 by David J. Kuter