Incisional ecchymosis
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This is a patient who sustained a rather large laceration five days earlier.
The laceration is closed with sutures under the skin (the absorbing kind).
Note that the areas to the top of the picture (in the base of the thumb) and to the far right are discolored, with bruising. This bruising, called "ecchymosis", is normal and is not to be concerned about. This is not infection and is not a problem.
The laceration has bled when it occurred, and some of this blood has flowed under the skin. It will all be resorbed by the body and made into new blood. Although it looks a bit scary, it is normal and nothing to worry about.
Surgical incisions will also sometimes develop a similar ecchymosis. Surgery on bone almost always will create some ecchymosis. Again, do not worry about it. It is not a sign of any problem.
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