What type of lesions are larger than petechiae and indicate a hemorrhage into the deep layers of the skin?

The correct answer is purpura, which refers to larger lesions than petechiae that indicate bleeding into the skin’s deeper layers. Petechiae are small, pinpoint-sized spots caused by minor bleeding, typically in the dermal layer, while purpura are larger, measuring between 3 millimeters to several centimeters, and represent more significant bleeding.

Purpura can occur due to various conditions, such as vascular disorders, platelet issues, or coagulopathies, where the integrity of blood vessels is compromised, leading to hemorrhage. Recognizing purpura is essential in clinical practice as it can indicate systemic issues such as thrombocytopenia or vasculitis.

The other options represent different conditions that do not specifically refer to the size and type of skin lesions associated with bleeding in the deeper layers. Vascular lesions encompass a broad range of blood vessel abnormalities that may or may not involve hemorrhage. Bruises, while resulting from hemorrhage, usually present as more superficial discolorations due to bleeding into the subcutaneous tissue and may not always indicate deep layer involvement. Fissures are cracks or splits in the skin and are unrelated to bleeding phenomena. Understanding these distinctions is important for proper diagnosis and management.