What is ecchymosis?

Ecchymosis refers specifically to large, irregularly formed areas of hemorrhage that occur in the skin, resulting in discoloration. It typically arises from trauma or injury to blood vessels, causing blood to leak into the surrounding tissue. This leads to the characteristic appearance of bruising, which can range in color from dark purple to blue and eventually yellow as it heals. Understanding ecchymosis is beneficial in clinical settings, as it can be an indicator of underlying issues such as trauma, clotting disorders, or the necessity for further medical evaluation. The other options describe different conditions, but they do not accurately represent the definition of ecchymosis.