# What is a bruise and what do its changing colors mean? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-is-a-bruise-and-what-do-its-changing-colors-mean Language: en Category: first_aid Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T08:09:50.926Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T08:09:50.926Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/what-is-a-bruise-and-what-do-its-changing-colors-mean A bruise is a mark on the skin resulting from blood collecting under the surface. Bruises occur when small blood vessels under the skin are damaged due to injury or trauma, causing blood to leak and pool without the skin tearing. Bruises are often painful and swollen. They can occur in the skin, muscles, or even bones, with bone bruises considered the most serious [\[2\]](). A bruise's color changes over time, reflecting the stages of its healing. Bruises start red, then turn purplish-blue, and then yellowish-green before returning to the natural skin color. Most bruises take about two weeks to fade, though some may take months [\[2\]](). ## Types of Bruises and Subcutaneous Bleeding In addition to common bruises (ecchymosis), there are other types of subcutaneous bleeding that may indicate different conditions: - **Petechiae:** These are small, flat red spots that appear under the skin, caused by blood leaking from tiny blood vessels [\[1\]](). - **Purpura:** This is subcutaneous bleeding causing red, purple, or yellowish-brown spots that are larger than petechiae [\[1\]](). - **Hematoma:** This is a collection of clotted or partially clotted blood under the skin, which may look or feel like a lump [\[1\]](). These types vary in size and shape and may be indicators of underlying health conditions that require medical attention [\[3\]](). ## Causes of Bruises and Subcutaneous Bleeding There are many causes for bruises and subcutaneous bleeding, including: - **Injuries and trauma:** The most common cause of bruising [\[3\]](). - **Aging:** Skin becomes thinner and blood vessels become more fragile with age, making bruising more likely [\[3\]](). - **Certain medications:** Such as blood thinners (anticoagulants like warfarin or heparin), aspirin, steroids, and antiplatelet drugs like clopidogrel, can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising [\[3\]](). - **Platelet disorders:** Such as Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP), a condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys platelets, leading to low counts and difficulty with blood clotting [\[1\]](). - **Medical conditions:** Such as viral or bacterial infections that affect blood clotting, autoimmune diseases (such as lupus), leukemia, or sepsis (blood poisoning) [\[3\]](). ## When Should Bruises Be Medically Examined? While most bruises are not a cause for concern and heal on their own, there are warning signs that necessitate a doctor's visit. You should contact a healthcare provider if: - You have sudden bruising without an obvious cause [\[3\]](). - You notice unexplained bruising that does not go away [\[3\]](). - You have uncontrollable bleeding that does not stop when pressure is applied. In this case, seek immediate medical attention [\[1\]](). - The bruise appears infected (such as severe redness, warmth, or pus) [\[2\]](). - The bruising is accompanied by other symptoms such as severe fatigue, pale skin, dizziness, nose or gum bleeding, blood in urine or stool, or heavy menstrual bleeding, as this may indicate anemia or a platelet disorder [\[1\]](). For more information on this topic, you can visit [Frequent Bruising and Easy Bleeding: When Should You Seek a Medical Exam? (Arabic)]() ## What to Expect During a Doctor's Visit? The doctor will examine you and ask questions about your medical and family history, any medications you are taking, and the nature of the bleeding. The doctor may order diagnostic tests, such as: - **Complete Blood Count (CBC):** To measure the number of platelets and other blood cells [\[1\]](). - **Blood Smear:** To examine platelets under a microscope [\[1\]](). - **Bone Marrow Tests:** To check the health of the bone marrow, especially if treatments are not working or to confirm a diagnosis [\[1\]](). - **Clotting Tests:** Such as Prothrombin Time (PT) and Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT) [\[3\]](). If you are taking medications that may cause bleeding, the doctor may discuss options for adjusting the dose or replacing the medication with you, but do not stop taking any prescribed medication without medical consultation [\[3\]](). ## Medical references - [Platelet Disorders Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP)]() - [Bruises]() - [Bleeding into the skin]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-is-a-bruise-and-what-do-its-changing-colors-mean#answer