What condition describes a bruise caused by ruptured blood capillaries?

A bruise caused by ruptured blood capillaries is known as a contusion. This term specifically refers to an injury where small blood vessels break and leak blood into the surrounding tissues, resulting in the characteristic discoloration and swelling.

The nature of a contusion involves trauma to the skin or underlying tissues, which leads to the accumulation of blood outside of the blood vessels, giving rise to the classic blue or purple appearance of a bruise. It's important to note that while the severity may vary, the essential feature of a contusion is the rupture of capillaries and subsequent bleeding beneath the skin.

The other terms listed refer to different skin conditions or injuries. Wheal-and-flare describes a localized swelling that typically occurs with allergic reactions. Pustules are small, pus-filled lesions on the skin, often associated with infections or inflammatory conditions. An abrasion is a type of injury that involves the scraping or rubbing away of the surface layer of skin and does not typically involve bruising or bleeding from broken capillaries. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why contusion is the correct term for this specific type of injury.