An ecchymosis (plural: ecchymoses) is bleeding that takes place below the surface of someone's skin.
It can occur in more than one form.
You're welcome to continue through this article to read more details about it.
However, first, I would like to let you know that this information should not be used in lieu of seeing a doctor or getting professional advice.
While you're free to use what you read for general purposes, it should not be used in an attempt to diagnose or treat any condition.
One form of ecchymosis is purpura.
This type does not become pale when pressure is applied to it.
Aside from being one type of this bleeding, purpura can also be distinguished from ecchymosis in the sense that the former is between 3 to 10 millimeters, while the latter is greater than 10 millimeters (or 1 centimeter).
A petechia is also found within this type, but is one that is less than 3 mm in size.
Bruises are another type of ecchymoses.
In these, damage to the capillaries or venules takes place due to trauma, such as when a bruise occurs after hitting your leg hard on the corner of a desk.
A number of medical issues can cause an ecchymosis to occur.
Of course, this is not a complete list, but it does give some examples.
Scurvy can cause them to appear.
This is where a person has a deficiency of vitamin C.
Another possibility is a condition known as idiopathic thromocytopenic purpura (ITP), which is a disorder involving the platelets.