What is the medical term for bruising?

The medical term for bruising is "ecchymosis." This term specifically refers to the discoloration of the skin resulting from bleeding underneath, typically over an area where an injury has occurred, but can also happen without significant trauma. When blood vessels are damaged, blood leaks into the surrounding tissue, leading to the characteristic blue or purple color associated with a bruise.

While "contusion" is often used interchangeably with ecchymosis in everyday language, ecchymosis specifically describes the resultant discoloration, whereas contusion refers to the injury itself, which may not always result in a visible bruise. "Petichiae" are smaller spots of bleeding under the skin, often appearing as red or purple dots, and "hemorrhage" is a broader term that refers to any excessive bleeding, whether internal or external. Understanding these distinctions helps in accurately describing and diagnosing skin conditions related to vascular or traumatic injuries.