Hello, I'm a medical professional with a strong background in hematology, the study of blood and its components. I'm here to provide you with accurate information regarding your question.

Blood clots and bruises are two different entities, and they generally do not look the same.

A blood clot, or thrombus, is a solid mass of coagulated blood that forms when the blood vessels are injured or blood flow is obstructed. Clots can form inside the blood vessels and are not typically visible externally. When a clot forms outside the body, such as when you cut yourself and blood coagulates around the wound, it may appear as a scab or dried blood, which is different from a bruise.

On the other hand, a bruise, or contusion, occurs when blood vessels under the skin are damaged due to trauma, causing blood to leak into the surrounding tissue. This results in a visible discoloration of the skin, which can range from blue, purple, or black in the initial stages, to green, yellow, and eventually fade as the body reabsorbs the blood.

To summarize, blood clots are generally internal and not visible as skin discoloration, while bruises are visible external discolorations caused by blood leaking into the skin's tissues.

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A regular bruise is more spread out and may not feel like a firm lump. A hematoma usually is not a cause for concern. It is not the same thing as a blood clot in a vein, and it does not cause blood clots. Bruises that do not appear to be caused by an accidental injury may be caused by abuse.read more >>