DEAR DR. GOTT: I read an article about a person who broke blood vessels frequently. I used to break them at least three times a week, so my doctor ran blood tests. She told me to increase my vitamin C intake, which I did. But what really helped was when I started drinking tart cherry-juice concentrate, usually taken for joint pain. I still break blood vessels but not as frequently and only in my fingers or toes.

DEAR READER: A contusion or bruise occurs when tiny blood vessels near the surface of the skin are damaged or broken. This is often the result of a direct blow to the skin, such as hitting a hand or shin against a piece of furniture. Blood leaks from the injured blood vessels into the surrounding tissues, and a colorful bruise results. We tend to bruise much more readily as we age, perhaps because blood vessels become more fragile and skin thins. Also, a number of medications, including aspirin and anticoagulants, can cause bruising at the slightest pressure.
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