What is the term for a purplish patch created by the escape of blood into the skin, usually accompanied by swelling?

The term for a purplish patch created by the escape of blood into the skin, usually accompanied by swelling, is ecchymosis. This condition results from bleeding underneath the skin, often due to trauma or injury, leading to discoloration. As blood seeps into the surrounding tissues, it causes a noticeable purple or bluish stain on the skin, which may also be accompanied by swelling in the affected area.

Ecchymosis specifically refers to larger areas of discoloration, differentiating it from smaller spots of bleeding that may not produce the same visual effect. This gives it a particular standing in medical terminology regarding skin discoloration due to blood leakage.

Contusions and bruises are sometimes used interchangeably with ecchymosis in common language, but ecchymosis tends to refer to a specific type of bruise characterized by its size or intensity. A hematoma, on the other hand, typically involves a more localized and larger collection of blood that forms a mass, rather than just a flat discoloration on the skin. Therefore, understanding the terms helps clarify different aspects of skin injuries related to blood leakage.