What is a bruise?
Q: What is a bruise?
A: A bruise, also called a contusion or an ecchymosis, is a visible bluish or purplish mark or patch appearing beneath the surface of the skin, resulting from blood that leaked out of the deeper layers of the tissues.
Q: What causes bruises?
A: Bruises are usually caused by a blow or pressure. In older people, bruises may also occur without a special reason.
Q: Do bruises cause pain?
A: Yes, bruises often cause pain but are normally not dangerous.
Q: Can bruises be serious?
A: Yes, sometimes bruises can be serious and lead to other more life-threatening forms of hematoma, or they can be associated with serious injuries such as fractures and internal bleeding.
Q: How can minor bruises be recognized in people with light skin color?
A: Minor bruises may be easily recognized in people with light skin color by their characteristic blue or purple appearance (idiomatically described as "black and blue") in the days following the injury.
Q: Are there any other names for a bruise?
A: Yes, other names for a bruise include contusion and ecchymosis.
