Children injure their skin more than any other area of their body, according to BabyCenter.com. Bruises form when blood vessels sustain damage and bleed into the skin. Active children are particularly susceptible to bumping themselves and getting bruises on their shins, chins and arms. However, some children seem to bruise at the drop of a hat and develop bruises that last beyond the typical healing time.
Abnormal Bruising
Your child might bruise easily if you see bruises in uncommon locations such as her back and stomach, according to The Children's Hospital, affiliated with the University of Colorado Denver. Your child may also have an underlying health problem if she rarely or never bruises but you suddenly see bruises on her body that are not the result of physical abuse.
Causes
Blood platelets are tiny, adhesive cells that join to plug wound holes. Blood proteins interact with platelets to clot and cover a healing wound, according to Duke University Health System. If your child's body doesn't produce enough blood platelets or if the platelets break down too quickly, he is susceptible to bruising. Some illnesses and medications can cause your child's blood to have diminished clotting ability and will cause him to bruise more easily, says Duke University Health System. Your child is also susceptible to bruising if he has weak skin.
Underlying Illness
Bruises may signal an underlying illness in your child, particularly if she gets them suddenly and alongside symptoms including fever, sweats, small red spots on the skin, bone pain, rash, enlarged abdomen due to a swelling liver or spleen, facial or bone abnormalities or large red birthmarks, according to Duke University Health System. Some illnesses commonly associated with bruising are severe infection, cancer, liver problems, vitamin K deficiency and bone marrow problems.
Bleeding Disorders
Some children who bruise easily don't have a separate illness, but an inherited bleeding disorder caused by abnormal platelets or clotting factors. If your child has symptoms such as pinpoint red spots on her skin, a heavy or prolonged menstrual period, prolonged or frequent nosebleeds, excessive bleeding after injury or excessive bleeding after surgery or dental work, she may have a bleeding disorder, according to Duke University Health System.
Getting Help
Call your doctor as soon as possible if your child develops bruises and you don't know where they came from or if your child has bruises around his eyes after he has sustained a head injury, says Duke University Health System. Your doctor will assess the signs you describe and he might tell you to visit him in the clinic or instruct you to take your child to an emergency room. If your doctor assesses that your child might have a blood disorder he will likely refer you to a doctor who specializes in blood clotting or blood disorders.
