Pinpoint hemorrhage is commonly referred to as what?

Pinpoint hemorrhage is commonly referred to as petechia. This term describes small, round spots that appear on the skin or mucous membranes as a result of bleeding. Petechiae are typically less than 3 millimeters in diameter and occur when small capillaries break, allowing blood to leak into the surrounding tissue. They are often associated with various medical conditions, including platelet disorders or infections, but their key defining characteristic is their pinpoint size and distinct appearance.

In contrast, ecchymosis refers to larger areas of bleeding under the skin, often presenting as bruises, while hematoma denotes a localized collection of blood outside of blood vessels, typically forming a noticeable swelling. Contusion is a term for a bruise that results from blunt force trauma causing skin discoloration and swelling. Each of these terms pertains to different types of hemorrhage or blood accumulation, highlighting the unique identification and significance of petechia in clinical assessment.