What does the term ecchymosis describe?

• A. A skin infection
• B. A raised red lesion
• C. A bruise caused by bleeding under the skin
• D. A blister

Answer: (C)

Ecchymosis describes a bruise—the result of blood leaking out of damaged vessels and collecting under the skin. This appears as a patch of discoloration that grows as blood settles in the tissue and then changes color as the body breaks down the blood, typically moving from red-blue to green-yellow as it heals. It’s caused by trauma or other factors that make vessels leak, and it’s not an infection or a raised red lesion, nor is it a blister.