Definition
A bruise is also called a haematoma, bruise or violet in medical terminology. It is the discharge of blood from an injured blood vessel into the surrounding tissue or into an existing body cavity. Bruising can occur in different parts of the body and for a variety of reasons.
A distinction is made between a subcutaneous haematoma, which lies directly under the skin, an intramuscular haematoma, which occurs within the muscle fibres, and a periosteal haematoma, which occurs within the periosteum. Most hematomas are usually harmless and heal on their own. On the other hand, there are bruises in the brain that should definitely be treated and surgically removed.
Causes of bruising
Most bruises occur in the context of minor minor injuries. External violent impacts such as a fall, an accident or even a blow can damage blood vessels and cause blood to flow into the tissue. A classic haematoma develops, which in most cases is not dangerous and no complications are to be expected.
Bruises of varying size and extent can occur in sports injuries or accidents. In traffic accidents, bruises in body cavities can be quite dangerous and must be treated urgently. Furthermore, haematomas can also occur during injections, blood sampling or after operations. During these operations, the tissue is generally injured and thus also smaller blood vessels from which the blood finally escapes. Persons who regularly have to take blood-thinning medication such as Marcumar, acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) or Phenprocoumonum have an increased risk of bruising more quickly.
Bruises without reason
If one or more bruises (bruises) occur frequently in a person without a clear cause, this should be investigated more closely. Sometimes a serious disease such as haemophilia is hidden behind them. This is a disorder of blood clotting, also known as haemophilia.
Haemophilia is one of the most common hereditary diseases. This disease lacks certain coagulation factors, which is why even the smallest injuries can cause heavy bleeding. Furthermore, there is an increased risk that bleeding within the body can occur spontaneously and lead to considerable blood loss. With increasing age, blue ones also occur more frequently, as the skin becomes thinner and thinner and often the padding subcutaneous fatty tissue also decreases. The skin is less protected and thus more susceptible to haematomas from impacts and injuries.
Symptoms
How the hematomas manifest themselves depends largely on the severity of the injury. Bruises that lie directly under the skin usually appear in a dark dead to bluish shade. Depending on the size and location of the haematoma, they can also swell and be painful, especially when touched.
After some time the hematoma discolours and becomes paler. Due to the degradation process in the tissue by the blood cells, a green-yellowish spot finally develops, which becomes increasingly paler. Blue spots that lie deeper in the tissue are often only weakly visible to the outside.
Haematomas in the abdominal cavity or other body cavities can also be accompanied by blood loss, so that this is sometimes also noticeable in the patient’s circulation. If a haematoma spreads into muscle tissue, it can lead to pain when moving. The symptoms are similar to a sore muscle after exercise. Haematomas can also occur within joints, which can then lead to pain when moving or even result in a functional impairment.
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