Ecchymosis

This article is about the medical term. For the Colombian band see Ekhymosis
An ecchymosis is the medical term for a subcutaneous hematoma larger than 1cm, commonly called a bruise. The red blood cells are phagocytosed and degraded by macrophages, The blue-red color produced is from the enzymatic conversion of hemoglobin into billirubin, which is more blue-green. The billirubin is then converted into hemosiderin, a golden brown color, which accounts for the color changes of the bruise.

(Etymology: Gk, ek + chymos, juice)

It implies a larger size than a petechia and a purpura. It is larger and has a more diffuse border than purpura.

When caused by trauma (most common etiology), it is termed a bruise, but can also be caused by bleeding diathesis.

Ecchymosis: The skin discoloration caused by the escape of blood into the tissues from ruptured blood vessels. Ecchymoses can similarly occur in mucous membranes as, for example, in the mouth.

See also

Solar purpura

Translation of "Ecchymosis"

Czech: Ekchymóza, German: Ekchymose, Turkish: Ekimoz.