What is bruising of the skin called?
A bruise, also called a contusion (pronounced: kun-TOO-zhen), happens when a part of the body is injured and blood from the damaged capillaries (small blood vessels) leaks out. With no place to go, the blood gets trapped under the skin, forming a red or purplish mark that's tender when you touch it — a bruise. Show
Bruises can happen for many reasons, but most are the result of bumping into things — or having things bump into you. Anyone can get a bruise. Some people bruise easily, while others don't. Why? Bruising depends on several things, such as:
Also, blood vessels tend to become fragile as people get older, which is why elderly people tend to bruise more easily. How Long Do Bruises Last?Bruises usually fade away in about 2 weeks. Over that time, the bruise changes color as the body breaks down and reabsorbs the blood. The color of the bruise can give you an idea how old it is:
Finally, the bruise fades away. How Can I Help Myself Feel Better?It takes time for bruises to get better, but there are a few things you can do to feel better during healing:
When Should I Call the Doctor?Minor bruises are easily treated, but it's probably best to talk to a doctor if:
Can Bruises Be Prevented?Bruises are kind of hard to avoid completely. But if you're playing sports, riding your bike, inline skating, or doing anything where you might bump, crash, or smash into something, it's smart to wear protective gear like pads, shin guards, and helmets. Taking just a few extra seconds to put on that gear might save you from a couple of weeks of aches and pains. If you're an active kid — or are a little clumsy — you've probably had a bruise or two. But what are those funny-colored marks on your body, exactly? A bruise is also called a contusion (say: kun-TOO-zhun). Some people bruise easily, while others have tougher skin tissue. How Do Bruises Happen?Bruises form when the soft tissues of the body get bumped. When they do, small veins and capillaries (the tiniest blood vessels) under the skin sometimes break. Red blood cells leak out of these blood vessels. These red blood cells that collect under your skin cause that bluish, purplish, reddish, or blackish mark. That's where black-and-blue marks get their name — from their color under the skin. Bruises go through colorful changes as the body begins to heal itself. The color changes mean that your body is metabolizing (say: meh-TAB-oh-lye-zing), or breaking down, the blood cells in the skin. This is the process that your body goes through to repair itself. The Phases of a BruiseImagine a baseball hits you in the leg. Ouch! Your body will go through these phases:
How Long Do Bruises Last?Most bruises will disappear after 2 weeks, and some go away even sooner. If a bruise does not go away after 2 weeks, let your parent know. To help reduce swelling or the amount of bruising after an injury, apply a cold compress to the bruise for at least 10 minutes. And be sure to wear a helmet and protective pads to help you avoid getting bruises! What are the three types of bruises?There are three types of bruises based on their location on your body: Subcutaneous bruises occur just beneath the skin. Intramuscular bruises occur in the underlying muscles. Periosteal bruises occur on the bones.
What is the medical term for bruising easily?This condition, which is also known as classical hemophilia or factor VIII, is typically inherited. It's caused by a missing or defective clotting protein called factor VIII. With hemophilia A, your blood takes a long time to form clots, which can result in bruising.
What is another name for a bruise medical term?A bruise, also known as a contusion, is a type of hematoma of tissue, the most common cause being capillaries damaged by trauma, causing localized bleeding that extravasates into the surrounding interstitial tissues.
What is a purple bruise called?Have you found a purple mark somewhere on your body? 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.
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