It could be ecchymosis. That's the medical term for a type of bruise. This dark purple spot forms on your skin when blood leaks out of your blood vessels into the top layer of your skin. It's usually from an injury, and it's 1/2 inch long or bigger.

Is ecchymosis a sign of infection?

Ecchymosis is caused by the movement of blood from ruptured blood vessels into the top layer of the skin. This can occur following trauma to soft tissue, surgery, disordered cell function, or infection. Ecchymosis can occur anywhere there is skin, or in a mucous membrane, including the mouth.

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.