What is the medical term for a bruise?

The medical term for a bruise is "ecchymosis." This term specifically refers to the discoloration of the skin resulting from bleeding underneath, typically caused by trauma to the area. When blood vessels break due to impact, blood leaks into the surrounding tissue, leading to the characteristic purple or blue appearance that is associated with bruises.

While "hematoma" refers to a localized collection of blood outside of blood vessels, which can appear similar to a bruise but usually involves a more significant amount of blood and swelling, "contusion" is actually synonymous with bruise in general terms. However, "ecchymosis" is the more precise medical term that describes the specific type of bruise seen on the skin. A "lesion" refers to any abnormal tissue change caused by injury or disease, making it a broader category that does not specifically denote a bruise. Understanding these distinctions helps in the accurate identification and description of injuries and conditions in a medical context.