Ecchymosis: What is Ecchymosis

What is Ecchymosis ? Ecchymosis is the discoloration of the skin caused by extravasation of blood due to the rupture of the underlying vascular capillaries that leads to collection of blood outside the cells. It is a subcutaneous spot with diffused borders measuring approximately more than 10 mm in diameter and is differentiated from the hematoma […] Petechiae, purpura, and ecchymosis are all terms used to describe different types of bleeding into the skin. These symptoms occur when tiny blood vessels (capillaries) burst or have a small tear and allow red blood cells to leak out into the surrounding tissue. What is Ecchymosis ? Definition The blood vessels (capillaries) under the skin are very minute. When they rupture, blood can escape from the vessels to the surrounding tissues. Rupture of the blood vessels can normally happen with or without trauma. Under normal conditions the broken vessels are immediately sealed by platelets which come together and forming a plug. Further it is strengthened by fibrin deposits formed through a series of chemical reactions which is known as Coagulation ... Ecchymosis is derived from the Greek word ekkhumōsis which means “escape of blood.” In the case of ecchymosis , the blood “escapes” from the damaged blood vessels and seeps into the surrounding tissue, causing the characteristic blue-purple discoloration.