Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsAppearanceCausesChronic BleedingHealingWhen It Is Not Healing
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Appearance
Causes
Chronic Bleeding
Healing
When It Is Not Healing
“Bleeding into the skin” refers to the leakage of blood from small blood vessels into the surrounding tissues, leading to visible skin changes such as red dots, burst vessels, and blood pooling.
This phenomenon may occur in common areas like the arms, legs, and face, where the skin is more prone to trauma or strain. Understanding these sudden skin changes is crucial for identifying potential underlying issues.
This article will guide you on what steps to take when you encounter these symptoms.
Photographer, Basak Gurbuz Derman / Getty Images
How Bleeding Into the Skin Looks
Bleeding into the skin can show up in a few different ways:
Red Dots (Petechiae)
Petechiaeare tiny, red, or purple spots or patches less than about 2 millimeters (mm) in diameter that look like freckles and do not go away when you press on them. They happen when small blood vessels break just under the skin and can be a sign of various issues.When the spots are larger, between 4 and 10 mm in diameter, they are calledpurpura.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Burst Vessels (Telangiectasia)
Blood Pooling (Ecchymosis)
Ecchymosisappears as larger, bruised areas of discoloration where blood has collected under the skin.It usually happens after a significant impact or injury, and the color changes from red to purple, then green and yellow as it heals.
Boy_Anupong / Getty Images
Causes of Sudden Bleeding Into the Skin
Sudden bleeding into the skin can occur for reasons such as:
Understanding these causes helps identify whether the bleeding is a result of something minor or if it might be linked to a more serious issue. If you’re unsure, consult your healthcare provider.
Causes of Chronic Bleeding Into the Skin
With age, skin and blood vessels become fragile, making it easier for them to break and cause bleeding spots.
Chronic bleeding under the skin can also result from:
Healing the Symptoms of Bleeding Into the Skin
Healing bleeding into the skin, such as bruises or blood spots, usually takes time. Understanding what to expect can help you recognize when your skin is recovering and when to seek medical advice.
A transitioning of color is a normal part of the healing process as the body breaks down and absorbs the blood. Bruising typically heals within two weeks.
To support healing in bleeding into the skin:
If symptoms do not improve or worsen, or if you experience frequent unexplained bleeding, consult your healthcare provider for further evaluation and treatment.
Bleeding Into Skin Not Healing
When bleeding into the skin, such as bruises, red spots, or blood pooling, doesn’t seem to heal properly, it may be a sign of an underlying issue or exacerbating factors. Here’s why this might happen and what you should do if you notice persistent or worsening symptoms:
When to Seek Medical Attention
If bleeding into the skin persists despite following home care measures, or if you experience the following, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider:
If you have chronic health conditions or take medications that could affect your blood’s ability to clot, contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
Summary
It’s important to monitor these symptoms and seek medical advice if you notice any unusual or prolonged bleeding. By understanding the causes and healing processes, you can better manage these skin changes and ensure proper care.
15 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Medline Plus.Bleeding into the skin.Fairview Patient EducationPetichiae (child).Medline Plus.Purpura.Hospital for Special Surgery.Telangiectasia: Causes, diagnosis, prevention & treatment.DermNet.Bleeding and bruising.Penn Medicine.What is allergic vasculitis?Medline Plus.Aging changes in skin.Medline Plus.Hemophilia.My Health Alberta.Bruise and blood spots under the skin.Medline Plus.Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).Medline Plus.Bruise healing - series - healing, part 2.Thavarajah D, Vanezis P, Perrett D.Assessment of bruise age on dark-skinned individuals using tristimulus colorimetry.Medicine, Science and the Law.2012;52(1):6-11. doi:10.1258/msl.2011.011038.University of Rochester Medical Center.Bruises.American Heart Association.What is peripheral artery disease?Mount Sinai.Bleeding in the skin.
15 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Medline Plus.Bleeding into the skin.Fairview Patient EducationPetichiae (child).Medline Plus.Purpura.Hospital for Special Surgery.Telangiectasia: Causes, diagnosis, prevention & treatment.DermNet.Bleeding and bruising.Penn Medicine.What is allergic vasculitis?Medline Plus.Aging changes in skin.Medline Plus.Hemophilia.My Health Alberta.Bruise and blood spots under the skin.Medline Plus.Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).Medline Plus.Bruise healing - series - healing, part 2.Thavarajah D, Vanezis P, Perrett D.Assessment of bruise age on dark-skinned individuals using tristimulus colorimetry.Medicine, Science and the Law.2012;52(1):6-11. doi:10.1258/msl.2011.011038.University of Rochester Medical Center.Bruises.American Heart Association.What is peripheral artery disease?Mount Sinai.Bleeding in the skin.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Medline Plus.Bleeding into the skin.Fairview Patient EducationPetichiae (child).Medline Plus.Purpura.Hospital for Special Surgery.Telangiectasia: Causes, diagnosis, prevention & treatment.DermNet.Bleeding and bruising.Penn Medicine.What is allergic vasculitis?Medline Plus.Aging changes in skin.Medline Plus.Hemophilia.My Health Alberta.Bruise and blood spots under the skin.Medline Plus.Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).Medline Plus.Bruise healing - series - healing, part 2.Thavarajah D, Vanezis P, Perrett D.Assessment of bruise age on dark-skinned individuals using tristimulus colorimetry.Medicine, Science and the Law.2012;52(1):6-11. doi:10.1258/msl.2011.011038.University of Rochester Medical Center.Bruises.American Heart Association.What is peripheral artery disease?Mount Sinai.Bleeding in the skin.
Medline Plus.Bleeding into the skin.
Fairview Patient EducationPetichiae (child).
Medline Plus.Purpura.
Hospital for Special Surgery.Telangiectasia: Causes, diagnosis, prevention & treatment.
DermNet.Bleeding and bruising.
Penn Medicine.What is allergic vasculitis?
Medline Plus.Aging changes in skin.
Medline Plus.Hemophilia.
My Health Alberta.Bruise and blood spots under the skin.
Medline Plus.Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).
Medline Plus.Bruise healing - series - healing, part 2.
Thavarajah D, Vanezis P, Perrett D.Assessment of bruise age on dark-skinned individuals using tristimulus colorimetry.Medicine, Science and the Law.2012;52(1):6-11. doi:10.1258/msl.2011.011038.
University of Rochester Medical Center.Bruises.
American Heart Association.What is peripheral artery disease?
Mount Sinai.Bleeding in the skin.
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