How are petichiae different from ecchymosis?

Petichiae and ecchymosis are both signs of bleeding under the skin, but they differ primarily in size, causes, and implications. The correct choice highlights the fact that ecchymosis, which typically appears as larger bruises caused by trauma, is often the result of a specific injury. In contrast, petichiae are smaller, pinpoint-sized spots that can occur without any direct trauma. They may be associated with a variety of conditions, including blood disorders or infections, and can appear spontaneously. This distinction is important for understanding the underlying health issues that may present with these symptoms.

The other options do not accurately reflect the differences between petichiae and ecchymosis. For example, the size aspect is reversed: petichiae are actually smaller. Additionally, while it is true that ecchymosis typically results from trauma, asserting that petichiae appear only on the face or that ecchymosis always indicates serious medical conditions misrepresents the complexity of diagnosing underlying health issues based solely on these manifestations.