Bruising in children is caused by skin injuries that result in discoloration of the affected sites. When the skin gets bruised, the blood from the damaged blood cells collects under the skin, which causes the bruise to appear deep red, purple, blue, or black. Whether it is a toddler trying to walk or a child learning to play basketball, children often slip over and hit surfaces, bruising different body parts. Minor bruising caused by slips, falls, or skids is common and rarely a cause of worry. It can be treated and managed at home and often fades away in a few weeks without medical intervention. However, if your child develops bruises with no identifiable cause, it could indicate an underlying medical problem or physical abuse. Read on to learn how normal bruising differs from abnormal bruising, the signs of abnormal bruising, and its possible causes, treatment, and prevention.
What Is Normal Bruising In Children?
A bruise often leads to bleeding underneath the skin. It is usually caused by a physical impact on the body by an external object. The tissues near the affected area get compressed, damaging the blood vessels and causing them to bleed. Bruises due to minor accidents are generally small, oval to round in shape with nondistinctive borders, and often seen in areas such as the forehead, knee, shins, elbows, and knees (1). Here is an image of how a normal bruise looks like. If the bruise on your child’s body is caused by falling or skidding, it heals within three to five days. The bruise that appears red on the first day turns purple or blue in a day and gradually turns to yellowish-brown and peels away (2). However, if you find bruises on your child’s body for no apparent reason, it is a red flag, and such sudden bruises could be due to an underlying medical condition or abuse. Read on to find out the signs of abnormal bruising in children.
Signs Of Abnormal Bruising In Children
If you spot random bruises that appear in unusual locations on your child’s skin, you need to be wary. Here are a few signs of abnormal bruising. If you notice any of the above signs in your child, it is important to know the root cause. The next section covers the various reasons for abnormal bruising.
Causes Of Abnormal Bruising
As your toddler starts taking their first steps, they might trip and bump into many things, leading to bruises, or your child might come home with a new bruise after playing at school. Normal bruises are a part of childhood and are a sign that your child is trying new things. However, if you see sudden and abnormal bruises on your child’s body, it is best to know the cause behind it. The bruise could be due to any of the reasons given below. If abuse is ruled out, certain medical conditions might be the cause of the sudden bruising in your child. Below are the names and details of such disorders. Apart from the above causes, medicines, such as aspirin, and some antibiotics can also cause bruises in children (14).
When To See The Doctor?
If you notice a recurring pattern of bruises in your children, with no known cause, it is best to consult your pediatrician. Take your child to the doctor if you notice any bleeding disorders or see any of the below signs.
Unexplained bruises in a recurring pattern Painless bruises Random bruises without signs of injury Black bruises on the legs or other unusual places
Besides a physical examination, your doctor might prescribe tests, such as a complete blood count, peripheral blood smear, and bleeding time, to determine the functioning of the clotting factors and diagnose bleeding disorders.
Treatment Of Bruises In Children
If the bruises are due to minor trauma, they could be treated at home by applying an ice pack or prescribing over-the-counter medication to reduce pain and swelling. Random bruising can also be caused if your child is being subjected to abuse that you are not aware of. If your child has to spend time with a babysitter or at the daycare, make sure your child is in safe hands. Still, if you find suspicious bruising, it is best to consult child welfare authorities, as childhood abuse is deeper than the bruise. If the bruises are abnormal and your child is diagnosed with bleeding disorders, follow the treatment prescribed by your doctor.
Prevention Of Bruising In Children
When your child is growing up and exploring the world, it might not be possible to prevent bruising, as it is a part of the growing-up process. However, you can help your child avoid bruises to some extent by instructing them to wear shin, shoulder, knee, and thigh guards. Most bleeding disorders need to be managed with the utmost care. If your child is diagnosed with a disorder, talk to your health care provider and gather as much information as possible. Also, explain the disorder to your child, and tell them the importance of taking certain precautions.
