Bleeding into the skin

Disease	Injury	Nutrition	Poison

Special Topic	Surgery	Symptoms	Test

Black eye

Overview

Treatment

Bleeding into the skin

Definition:

Aside from the common bruise, bleeding into the skin or mucous membranes is a very significant sign and should always be evaluated. Bleeding that consists of pinpoint dots of blood is called petechiae. Larger flat areas where blood has collected under the tissue, up to a centimeter in diameter, are called purpura. A very large area is called an ecchymosis.

Alternative Names:

Ecchymoses; Skin spots - red; Pinpoint red spots on the skin; Petechiae

Considerations:

Redness of the skin (erythema) should not be mistaken for bleeding. Petechiae, purpura, and ecchymosis do not blanch (become pale) with pressure, while the redness of erythema decreases and then returns when pressure is applied and released.

Common Causes:

Injury or trauma
Allergic reaction
Autoimmune disorders
Viral infection or illness affecting blood coagulation
Thrombocytopenia
Medical treatment, including radiation and chemotherapy
Bruise (ecchymosis)
Birth (petechiae in the newborn)
Aging skin (ecchymosis)
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (petechiae and purpura)
Henoch-Schonlein purpura (purpura)
Leukemia (purpura and ecchymosis)
Drugs
- Anticoagulants such as warfarin or heparin (ecchymosis)
- Aspirin (ecchymosis)
- Steroids (ecchymosis)
Septicemia (petechiae, purpura, ecchymosis)

Review Date: 9/8/2003
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. editorial. Previously reviewed by Anthony E. Douglas, M.D., Department of Primary Care Internal Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (1/17/2002).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.