Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentPrognosis
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prognosis
Ecchymosis can occur anywhere there is skin, or in a mucous membrane, including the mouth. Unlike hematoma, ecchymosis does not cause any raising of the skin.
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Ecchymosis vs. Hematoma
The most definite sign and symptom of ecchymosis is a moderate to large portion of flat but discolored skin (greater than 1 centimeter). Symptoms may include:
You can tell the difference between a hematoma and a bruise based on whether or not it is swollen or raised. Bruises/ecchymosis are flat, while hematomas look swollen.
Someone with ecchymosis may also experience symptoms of pain and swelling elsewhere in the body as a result of an injury such as a fall.
Ecchymosis Causes
The main cause of ecchymosis is traumatic injury, such as being hit with an object or falling on a hard surface. Hematomas happen when an injury to a blood vessel causes a large amount of blood to pool under the skin. Hematomas can also form after a surgical procedure.
If the body lacks vitamin K orvitamin C, an individual is at risk of experiencing ecchymosis. If someone is diagnosed with an infection or is taking certain medications, such aswarfarinor aspirin, they are also at an increased risk of experiencing ecchymosis.
Children are most likely to experience ecchymosis during the summer while engaged in summer sports and other activities. Children living in temperate climates also tend to spend more time engaged in activities that can lead to bruising.
Ecchymosis is diagnosed primarily through a physical examination, during which a medical professional assesses the area of discolored skin. The healthcare provider will also ask about your medical history, medications you are currently taking, and injuries you may have sustained recently.
If the ecchymosis is severe enough, your practitioner may order blood tests to measure your body’s healing responses, the level of inflammation, and blood cell count. This information will assist in determining the cause of the ecchymosis, if the mechanism is still unknown, and providing treatment.
The color of skin with ecchymosis assists a healthcare provider in determining the age and the depth of the injury. A blue, red, or purple hue typically is indicative of a fresh spot of ecchymosis. Once several days have passed and the healing process has begun, the area of skin typically turns yellow, green, or brown.
Ecchymosis vs. PurpuraPurpura describes small spots that develop when blood vessels leak under the skin. Purpura measure 4 to 10 mm in diameter, which ecchymoses are larger than 1 cm.
Ecchymosis vs. Purpura
Purpura describes small spots that develop when blood vessels leak under the skin. Purpura measure 4 to 10 mm in diameter, which ecchymoses are larger than 1 cm.
Most instances of ecchymosis resolve without any intervention, as this injury is typically minor. Most minor or moderate ecchymosis are treated withnon-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, to reduce pain and swelling.
If you are frequently experiencing pain resulting from ecchymosis, your practitioner may complete more tests and evaluations to determine what the root cause is. Your healthcare provider will then be able to treat the condition causing the ecchymosis to prevent more serious issues from evolving. Another course of action may be to stop taking certain medications that may cause ecchymosis.
Medical professionals typically recommend elevating the bruised area and applying ice to lessen symptoms such as pain and swelling.These practices, accompanied with rest, allow the body to absorb the blood within your tissues and heal the ecchymosis.
Hematomas are more likely to require treatment, though they may also resolve on their own with conservative treatment like rest and ice. In some cases, surgical treatment may be required to drain the hematoma, especially if it is putting pressure on the spine, brain, or other organs.
The prognosis for ecchymosis is typically very good. In most cases, ecchymosis is minor and resolves relatively quickly in healthy individuals. Once your healthcare provider identifies the cause of the ecchymosis, they can instruct you to take steps to prevent it from occurring again.
You should contact your practitioner if you develop new symptoms of ecchymosis after already being treated, yourbruiseis growing in size, you are seeing ecchymosis frequently, or you are not seeing progress after 2 weeks.
In these cases, you should be further evaluated for bleeding disorders, vitamin deficiencies, or cancer.
Most cases of ecchymosis are minor and cause little pain or swelling. Most individuals experiencing minor ecchymosis must cope with temporary cosmetic changes due to discolored skin and bruises. These bruises usually resolve entirely once the ecchymosis is healed and the blood has been redistributed under the skin. This typically takes around two weeks.
Summary
Ecchymosis is a relatively common condition that may occur independent of an overlying medical condition. In most cases, ecchymosis is not cause for concern. Symptoms of ecchymosis resolve in time and are often due to minor soft tissue injuries. A hematoma is a similar injury that causes discoloration and swelling under the skin.
Most instances of ecchymosis occur due to soft tissue injuries, such as falls, sprains, and other impact-related injuries. If you are concerned about medications you are taking or a condition you are living with that may be causing ecchymosis, consult your healthcare provider for more information.
4 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.Epperla N, Mazza JJ, Yale SH.A review of clinical signs related to ecchymosis.WMJ. 2015;114(2):61-65.Nemours TeensHealth.Bruises.MedlinePlus.Purpura.MedlinePlus.Bleeding into the skin.
4 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.Epperla N, Mazza JJ, Yale SH.A review of clinical signs related to ecchymosis.WMJ. 2015;114(2):61-65.Nemours TeensHealth.Bruises.MedlinePlus.Purpura.MedlinePlus.Bleeding into 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.
Epperla N, Mazza JJ, Yale SH.A review of clinical signs related to ecchymosis.WMJ. 2015;114(2):61-65.Nemours TeensHealth.Bruises.MedlinePlus.Purpura.MedlinePlus.Bleeding into the skin.
Epperla N, Mazza JJ, Yale SH.A review of clinical signs related to ecchymosis.WMJ. 2015;114(2):61-65.
Nemours TeensHealth.Bruises.
MedlinePlus.Purpura.
MedlinePlus.Bleeding into the skin.
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