10 Things You Need to Know About Blood Clots

7. Bruises and Hematomas

If you’re wondering about the relationship between bruises, hematomas and blood clots, wonder no more! Bruises are different than hematomas because bruises occur when the small veins and capillaries under the skin break.  Hematomas form when blood pools outside of a blood vessel. There are four primary categories for hematomas: subdural (outside the brain), spinal, subungual (under the toenail), and hepatic (on/around the liver). The causes of bruises and hematomas also differ: bruises form from minor injuries, thinner skin, or blood disorders (like anemia); hematomas form from trauma, bone fractures, and some medications.