This article is about the medical term. For the Colombian band see Ekhymosis

An ecchymosis (pronounced /ˌɛk.ɪˈmoʊ.sɪs/, from the Ancient Greek ἐκχύμωσις from ἐκ, out + χέω, I pour) is the medical term for a subcutaneous hematoma larger than 1 centimeter, commonly called a bruise. It can be located both in the skin as well as in a mucous membrane.

[edit] Presentation

After local trauma, red blood cells are phagocytosed and degraded by macrophages. The blue-red color is produced by the enzymatic conversion of hemoglobin into bilirubin, which is more blue-green. The bilirubin is then converted into hemosiderin, a golden brown color, which accounts for the color changes of the bruise.^[1]

Hematomas can be subdivided by size. By definition, ecchymoses are 1 to 2 cm in size and are therefore larger than petechia (1-2 mm) and purpura (>3 mm).^[1] They also have a more diffuse border than purpura.^[2]

[edit] See also

• Solar purpura

[edit] References