
PETECHIAE TINY PINPOINT RED DOTS ON SKIN SKIN
But they are different than the tiny, flat, red spots or birthmarks (hemangiomas) that are on the skin all the time. They are tiny, flat, red or purple spots in the skin. Purpura might look like bruises, but they aren't caused by an injury as most regular bruises are. Report this type of bruising, and seek help to prevent further abuse.īlood spots under the skin may be either purpura or petechiae. It's important to consider this possibility, especially if the bruises can't be explained or if the explanations change or don't match the injury. And it doesn't cause blood clots.īruises that don't seem to be caused by an accidental injury may be caused by abuse. It's not the same thing as a blood clot in a vein. A hematoma usually isn't a cause for concern. This gives the skin a spongy, rubbery, lumpy feel. In some cases after an injury, blood collects and pools under the skin (hematoma). Women bruise more easily than men, especially from minor injuries on the thighs, buttocks, and upper arms.Ī tendency to bruise easily sometimes runs in families. When blood vessels break, bruising occurs. These changes, along with skin damage from exposure to the sun, cause blood vessels to break easily. The cushioning effect of the skin decreases as the fat under the skin decreases. As a person ages, the skin becomes less flexible and thinner because there is less fat under the skin. Bruises are most common in injuries to the forearms, hands, legs, and feet.

Older adults often bruise easily from minor injuries. Bruising easily doesn't mean you have a serious health problem, especially if bruising is minimal or only shows up once in a while. If you bruise easily, you may not even remember what caused a bruise. But severe bruising, swelling, and pain that start within 30 minutes of an injury may mean a more serious problem, such as a severe sprain or fracture. Home treatment may speed healing and relieve the swelling and soreness from bruises that are caused by injury. A bruise on a leg usually will take longer to heal than a bruise on the face or arms. Sometimes the area of the bruise spreads down the body in the direction of gravity. As bruises (contusions) heal, they often turn colors, including purplish black, reddish blue, or yellowish green. Blood leaks into tissues under the skin and causes the black-and-blue color. Health Library Skip Navigation Top of the pageCheck Your SymptomsBruises and Blood Spots Under the Skin Overviewīruises form when small blood vessels under the skin tear or rupture, most often from a bump or fall.
