Ecchymosis is usually caused by an injury, such as a bump, blow, or fall. This impact may cause a blood vessel to burst open leaking blood under the skin, creating a bruise. While bruises are very common and affect almost everyone, women tend get them more easily than others do.

What is the difference between bruise and ecchymosis?

Ecchymosis is a skin discoloration that results from bleeding underneath the skin and usually larger than 1 cm or . 4 inches. A bruise is a discolored skin area that is caused by a blow, impact or suction (suction bruise) that ruptured underlying small blood vessels.

How do you get rid of ecchymosis?

Most of the time, patches of ecchymosis will go away without treatment. A person can reduce any pain or swelling with a cold compress or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen. If a person has not had an injury and the cause of ecchymosis is not obvious, a doctor may perform some diagnostic tests.