A person exhibits ecchymosis. What is likely the cause?

Ecchymosis refers to the appearance of bruising on the skin, typically resulting from bleeding that occurs beneath the skin's surface. It is characterized by the discoloration that can vary in color as the bruise heals. The primary cause of ecchymosis is usually an injury that leads to the rupture of small blood vessels, allowing blood to seep into the surrounding tissues. This commonly occurs with trauma or impact to the area, causing a collection of blood that results in the characteristic blue or purple mark seen with bruises.

In contrast, minor scratches on the skin do not typically produce the significant bleeding required to cause ecchymosis. While a significant underlying health issue could contribute to easy bruising, ecchymosis is more directly caused by a specific injury leading to the bleeding. Allergic reactions to medication may cause various skin reactions, but they generally do not result in ecchymosis unless they indirectly lead to injury or trauma. Thus, the relationship between injury and the formation of ecchymosis underlines why the correct answer emphasizes the direct cause of bleeding into the skin.