What is the medical term for bruising of the skin?

Bruising of the skin is medically referred to as a contusion. This term precisely describes the condition where blood vessels under the skin break due to trauma, causing discoloration and swelling. A contusion typically results in a characteristic blue or purple mark, which may change colors as it heals.

While hematoma refers to a collection of blood outside of blood vessels, often visible as a swelling, it is typically larger and more localized compared to a standard bruise. Ecchymosis is another term that indicates discoloration caused by bleeding beneath the skin, similar to contusions; however, it's often used more generally or in the context of larger areas. A scar, on the other hand, is a mark left on the skin after a wound or injury has healed, which is not related to the process of bruising.

Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why contusion is the correct term for bruising of the skin.