Bruises (Ecchymosis): Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention (Cleveland Clinic)
Where this fits: Why You're Suddenly Covered in Bruises (and When to Actually Worry)
Claims this source supports
- A bruise, or contusion, is skin discoloration from damaged, leaking blood vessels underneath the skin; ecchymosis is the medical term for a bruise.
- Petechiae are pinpoint areas (less than 2 millimetres) of reddish dots on the skin that do not turn white after applying gentle pressure. Purpura is small bleeding under the skin, smaller than ecchymosis but larger than petechiae.
- Conditions that may make a person more prone to bruising include having cancer or liver disease, family members who bruise easily, taking blood thinners or NSAIDs, a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia or von Willebrand disease, a low blood platelet count (thrombocytopenia), and vitamin C or vitamin K deficiency.