According to Duke Health, a bruise results from damaged blood vessels that bleed into your skin. A bruise can turn a wide array of colors, depending on the age of the bruise, but when it first occurs, the color is generally black and blue. Children can easily get bruises from playing or accidentally falling or bumping into things. Duke Health reports that most bruises sustained by your child are not of concern. However, some bruising can be a sign of serious illness, medical conditions or even child abuse.
Causes
Accidental falls and injuries will cause bruising in children. However, some diseases such as leukemia and cancer can cause bruising as well. Child abuse is another cause of bruises in children, but in cases of child abuse, the bruises are usually in odd places on the body. If your child has repeated, unexplained bruising, you should speak with your child's pediatrician to determine the root cause.
Identification
Dr. Courtney D. Thornburg of Duke Health reports that bruises should be considered abnormal if they occur without explanation, are on parts of the body other than the shins, if they are larger than a quarter or lumpy rather than flat. It is essential that parents pay attention to their child's injuries and evaluate the bruising that occurs so that you can discuss it with a physician if you have concerns. David M. Pressel, M.D., Ph.D, writes in the May 15, 2000 edition of "American Family Physician," that bruises in abused children are often found in uncommon places on the body such as the ears, buttocks or back. If you find bruising in an unusual spot on your child's body, such as on the genitalia or upper arms, you should immediately consult your physician for evaluation.
Prevention
Children love to run, jump and play, but it is important to keep a close eye on your child to prevent unnecessary bruises and injuries. Reminding your child to slow down or making sure he is playing on soft surfaces such as sand rather than concrete will prevent bruising. Children who are prone to falling when playing should wear protective gear such as knee and elbow pads and a helmet when they play sports. It is important to educate parents to help prevent child abuse. If you suspect a child is being abused, you can make a call to your local child protective agency and give an anonymous report if needed.
Treatment
Ice is an excellent treatment for bruises and can reduce swelling that may occur because of the bruising. Thornburg suggests using a bag of frozen vegetables such as peas, wrapped in a towel, to ice the bruise. Thornburg also recommends giving your child acetaminophen, but you should never use ibuprofen or aspirin because it can cause the bruise to worsen. Finally, Thornburg suggests that applying a warm washcloth three times a day for up to 10 minutes is an excellent way to help your child's skin reabsorb the blood.
