Virtual Children's Hospital: CQQA: Bruises

Pediatrics Common Questions, Quick Answers

Bruises

Donna D'Alessandro, M.D.
Lindsay Huth, B.A.
Peer Review Status: Internally Reviewed
Creation Date: March 2002
Last Revision Date: April 2002

Common Questions, Quick Answers

What is a bruise?

A bruise is caused when you fall or bump into something.
Blood vessels are broken or damaged.
Sometimes, the bruise will swell a little. The swelling is caused by bleeding into the skin.

What causes them?

Bruises in children are most often caused by falling down or bumping into something.
They can also be caused by medicine or medical treatments (such as chemotherapy).
Bruises can be caused by allergic reactions and viral infections.
Babies are sometimes bruised during the birthing process.
Certain illnesses and diseases can cause bruising.
Unexplained bruises in children may be the result of child abuse. If you suspect a child is being abused, ask a doctor or community health center how to report your concerns.

Who can get them?

Anyone can get a bruise. Bruises vary with age.
Children with certain diseases and conditions may bruise more easily than others.
Children on certain medications may bruise more easily than others.
Elderly people tend to bruise very easily. Blood vessels become more fragile with age.

What are the symptoms?

A bruise discolors the skin and changes color as it heals.
A bruise can be red, blue, purple, green, yellow, brown, or black at different times.
The color changes depend on many factors.

How are they treated?

Minor bruises can be treated at home.
Use a cold pack to reduce swelling. Cold packs can be bought at the store, or instead, you can use a bag of frozen vegetables.
Do not put ice directly on the skin. Put a towel between the ice and the skin.
Cuts and scrapes should be washed with soap and warm water then bandaged if needed.

How long will it last?

Can bruises be prevented?

Do what you can, but remember-- no matter how much you protect you child, she is bound to get some bumps and bruises.
You can help protect your child from injuries by having her wear a helmet and other protective gear (shin guards, elbow guards) when riding a bike, using a scooter or skateboard, or using rollerblades.
When your child is using a toy on wheels, keep her away from stairs, porches, and other drop-offs.
If you have a gymset at home, scatter a thick layer of mulch under it to soften the ground in case your child should fall.

When should I call the doctor?

Call your doctor if there is sudden bleeding into the skin.
Call your doctor if your child gets a violent blow to the head and her consciousness (awake state) is somewhat changed.
Call your doctor if your child gets many unexplained bruises.
Call the doctor if you are concerned a child may be abused.
Call the doctor if you have questions or concerns.

Quick Answers

A bruise is caused when you fall or bump into something and blood vessels are broken.
Bruises can be caused by bumping into something, medicine, and illnesses or disease.
Anyone can get a bruise, but bruising usually gets worse with age.
A bruise discolors the skin and changes color as it heals.
Minor bruises can be treated at home. Use a cold pack to reduce swelling.
You can help protect your child from injuries by having her wear a helmet and other protective gear when she plays with a toy on wheels (bike, rollerblades, etc.)
Call your doctor if your child gets many unexplained bruises.
Call the doctor if you are worried a child may be abused.

References

Columbia University. Minor Cuts, Scrapes, and Bruises. (cited 2002 February 14). URL: http://cpmcnet.columbia.edu/texts/guide/hmg14_0007.html#14.2
MedicineNet.com. Bumps and Bruises. 1996-2002 (cited 2002 February 14). URL: http://www.focusonskin.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=302&rd=1
MEDLINEplus. Bleeding into the Skin. 2002 January 2 (cited 2002 February 14). URL: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003235.htm

Title Page

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