Home Skin Care What is ecchymosis and its causes

What is ecchymosis and its causes

by Alivia Nyhan
Published: Last Updated on
ecchymosis and its causes

Ecchymosis is a collection of blood just under the skin, which can occur for many different reasons: from an infection, a suction trauma, or a more complicated disease such as leukemia.

That is why knowing what the problem is will help to resolve to bruise more easily. It may be necessary to apply cold, ointment, or even certain herbs that can be helpful. Still, in other cases, it is needed to correct the underlying problem so that these lesions can disappear.

I explain what it is and what causes ecchymosis in the following FastlyHealarticle.

What is ecchymosis

Ecchymosis, also known as bruise or bruise, is a flat lesion on the skin (that is, it does not have relief when touched). This lesion is formed from the outflow of blood from a tiny blood vessel. From there, it expands through the tissues that are under the skin and can be seen as if it were a spot.

It can be seen more noticeably if there is increased inflammation and accumulation of edema. What differentiates it from other types of lesions, which occur with erythema or redness of the skin, is that it does not disappear when you press it.

Ecchymosis is a small type of bruise. From a medical-legal point of view, these two terms are considered different to identify their cause. I have told you that ecchymosis is a flat lesion smaller than 5 mm. On the other hand, a hematoma is more significant than this and usually has a collection of fluid, which is not flat.

The color of the ecchymosis will vary as the days go by. At first, it will be a reddish tone, and then it will become more bluish, green, and, finally, yellowish. All this as the blood is transforming and reabsorbing.

The length of time an ecchymosis lasts varies according to many factors and can go from 2 to 4 weeks, sometimes a little longer.

There are different reasons why ecchymoses can appear. Next, I will describe the most common causes of bruising and what you can do to improve them.

Trauma

blow is one of the most frequent causes of ecchymosis. If trauma occurs right where there are small blood vessels, a small, superficial hematoma may develop, with no fluid collection.

If it is limited to the area where the blow occurred and little by little it changes color to disappear finally, you should not worry.

What to do?

  • One way to avoid severe bruising is to use ghee or clarified butter as soon as the trauma has occurred. This has hemostatic and anti-inflammatory properties and, by quickly penetrating the tissues, it reaches the trauma area speedily and, therefore, is very effective.
  • The local ice is also an excellent choice when it first hit has occurred. In this way, vasoconstriction occurs, that is, the closure of the small blood vessels so that blood does not continue to flow out and enlarge the ecchymosis in addition to keeping inflammation at bay and soothing pain.
  • Another option is to apply arnica. This substance, whether prepared in gel or ointment, is very effective in reducing bruises quickly because it works by reducing swelling. It should be applied between 2 and 4 times a day. Something important is that it should not be used on damaged skin.
  • The aloe vera is also beneficial in cases of swelling and bruising. The gel obtained by cutting a leaf and repeating the procedure several times a day can be applied directly to the affected skin.
  • Vitamin K is also an ally in the fight equimosis time. Although its main internal action promotes good circulation and coagulation, it can also be applied externally. Some creams include it and help reduce inflammation and reduce the duration of bruises.

In the following article, you can see more Home remedies for inflamed bumps.

Surgical and aesthetic interventions

They can generate ecchymosis on the skin from seemingly simple aesthetic treatments such as botox placement, massage therapy, or abdominal surgery. It can be small or large lesions that will change color as the days go by.

When it comes to aesthetic procedures, there is very little tolerance for these injuries, precisely because what was tried was to make the appearance better, and the bruises are not aesthetic.

That is why to reduce inflammation and the time that these lesions are on the skin, you can resort to some of the practices that I named in the previous section, such as cold, ghee, aloe vera, arnica, or creams with vitamin K.

Bad circulation

Many times, in cases of poor venous circulation, such as in people who stand a lot, for example, ecchymoses can appear with simple blows.

In these cases, there is usually swelling as the day goes by, feeling tired and even sore legs.

To improve circulation, you can adopt some measures such as:

  • Perform physical exercise at least 30 minutes a day.
  • If you spend a lot of time in the same seat, you can move your legs in place, with the ankle up and then down. In this way, you help the blood not stagnate in the legs and can return to the heart. The ideal in these cases is to take a short walk of no more than 2 or 3 minutes at least every hour.
  • Eat healthily. This is essential to promote blood circulation. Leave out processed foods, alcohol, refined (salt, sugar, white flour), vegetable oils—the more natural your diet, the better.
  • If you notice dryness in your body, it is good to reduce it from your diet and use natural oils externally. This is key to regaining blood circulation.

If you already notice ecchymosis, you can use some of the advice I gave you in the previous sections, but keep in mind that if the injuries are commonplace, many, or take too long to disappear, you should consult a doctor. It is essential to rule out different diseases that can be more complicated.

Skin aging

It has been described that in some cases, minor bruises or ecchymosis may appear when the skin loses elasticity and moisture. This does not have to do with the years that pass or not, but rather with the care you give to your body.

The moisturizing of the skin results from the moisturizing of the entire body. Therefore, not only are external treatments helpful, it is vital that your habits and mind healthily accompany you.

If all other causes of ecchymosis have been ruled out and it is concluded that it is only an aging process of the skin, you can follow one of these tips:

  • Externally you can apply any of the suggested measures: aloe vera, ghee, arnica, etc.
  • Make sure your diet is as natural as possible. You can especially choose foods that promote body moisture, such as whole grains (especially rice), fruits, and vegetables in season. If you consume nuts, it should be in little quantity, and you must soak them previously.
  • Avoid irritating and drying substances such as alcohol, coffee, black tea, tobacco.
  • Perform oil massages all over your body before bathing.
  • Practice physical exercise daily, but moderately according to your physical capacity.
  • Give importance to a good night’s rest.

Skin aging

Infections

In severe disseminated infection ( septicemia ), ecchymoses may appear in various areas of the body.

In this case, there will be other noticeable symptoms, such as:

  • Fever.
  • General discomfort.
  • Body pain.
  • Decay.
  • Low voltage.
  • Rapid pulse
  • Lack of appetite.

Antibiotics are often used to treat the infection. It should be taken into account that the state of health of the infected person is as important or more critical since the resolution of the condition depends on their defenses. These improve when the person takes good habits (eating, sleeping), and thus recovery is easier and faster.

Drugs

Some medications can cause minor bleeding under the skin. This is the case of drugs such as:

  • Warfarin
  • Aspirin.
  • Heparin.
  • Corticosteroids

It is essential to go to the person who prescribed this drug to report this adverse effect since this bleeding can occur in other body areas. It is necessary to clarify that the medication should not be discontinued without a medical review.

Coagulation diseases

Suppose there is a disorder in which the blood does not clot properly. In that case, multiple bruises or bruises may appear for no reason, or spontaneous bleeding or significant bleeding that does not subside in the case of injuries.

It can be due to vitamin deficiencyplatelet problems, or hereditary diseases.

Ecchymoses in these types of cases may improve as soon as the clotting problem improves, for which it is essential to reach the correct diagnosis.

Leukemia

This and some other proliferative diseases can present with ecchymoses or bruises for no apparent reason.

That is why if you notice bruises without having suffered a significant blow, or you notice many ecchymoses, or they take time to go away, it would be essential to go to a medical center. This way, this and other causes of ecchymosis can be ruled out.

Treatment should aim to resolve the underlying disease. That way, the bruising will also improve.

This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to What ecchymosis is and its causes, we recommend that you enter our Skin, hair, and nails category.

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