When “Oops” Turns Into a Warning Sign
We’ve all been there: you bump your shin on a coffee table, forget about it instantly… and two days later, a vibrant purple-black bruise blooms like a battle medal you never asked for.
That’s normal.
But what if bruises start appearing without any injury? Or they linger for weeks? Or show up in strange places—like your back, stomach, or ears?
That’s when your body might be sending a message—one worth listening to.
🩺 What Is a Bruise, Really?
Medically called ecchymosis, a bruise forms when tiny blood vessels (capillaries) under your skin break, leaking blood into surrounding tissue. Over days, it shifts from red → purple → green → yellow as your body reabsorbs the blood.
Most bruises heal in 1–2 weeks. But if yours don’t—or appear out of nowhere—it could signal something deeper.
⚠️ When to Worry: Red Flags You Shouldn’t Ignore
See a doctor if you notice:
