Definition of ecchymosis - What it is, Meaning and Concept

In order to know the meaning of the term ecchymosis it is necessary, first, to discover its etymological origin.In this case, we can determine that it is a word that derives from the Greek, specifically “ekkhymosis.” This can be defined as "spot on the skin generated by a cluster of blood in the subcutaneous area" and is the result of the sum of the following lexical components:-The prefix "ek-", which means "out".-The noun "khymos" , which can be translated as "flow".-The suffix "-osis", which is used to indicate a pathological process.

Used in the field of medicine, the term ecchymosis refers to a spot that arises in an internal organ or skin as a result of a blood imbibition for a blow or other reason.

Synonyms of ecchymosis are also moreton and cardinal.

Ecchymosis, therefore, is a lesion that constitutes a clinical sign.Extravased blood infiltrates the subcutaneous tissue, generating a variable-sized spot according to the type of bruise.

What ecchymosis reveals, in short, is the rupture of a blood vessel .This situation causes internal bleeding and the blood is embedded in the tissue, warning in the skin by the appearance of a stain.The action of various cells and enzymes causes the stain to change color, oscillating between bluish reddish, greenish and brown.

In addition to all of the above, we cannot ignore that an ecchymosis is considered a bruise in the first degree.This is more serious than the so-called simple bruise, which can cause a simple reddening of the skin, and is more mild than others.In particular, it is milder than bruises in the second degree or bruises and bruises in the third degree, which result in the death of the deeper tissues of the skin.

Usually, an ecchymosis is between one and two centimeters long.When the size is smaller, the lesion is usually called petechia .On the other hand, if the subcutaneous blood accumulation generates an elevation of the skin , one speaks of hematoma .

Ecchymosis causes pain since the nerves in the area of ​​the contusion are affected by the blow.However, no action is usually required as a treatment since the discomfort naturally ceases with the passage of time.

In the same way, we cannot ignore the existence of what is known as Hennequin's hematoma, which becomes an ecchymosis in what is the inner side of the arm as well as in the area of ​​the thorax that happens 48 hours after the cause that generates it has occurred, and it will also be associated with pain and even deformity.