Bruises

Definition

  • Bruises to the skin anywhere on the body
  • Bruises are bleeding into the skin from damaged blood vessels
  • They can occur without a cut or scrape

 

Call or Return If

  • Pain becomes severe
  • Bruises aren't gone in 2 weeks
  • You think your child needs to be seen
  • Your child becomes worse

 

About This Topic

Symptoms

  • The main symptom is pain.

Prevention

  • Careful adult supervision of young children
  • Education of older children about high risk behaviors

After Care Advice

Cold Pack:
  • Use a cold pack or ice bag wrapped in a wet cloth.
  • Put it on the bruise once for 20 minutes.
  • Reason: This will help to stop the bleeding.
  • Caution: Avoid frostbite.
Heat Pack:
  • After 48 hours, put heat on the bruise.
  • Use a heat pack, heating pad or warm wet washcloth.
  • Do this for 10 minutes, 2 times per day.
  • Reason: This helps to remove the blood.
  • Caution: Avoid burns.
Pain Medicine:
  • To help with the pain, give acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen. Use as needed.
What to Expect:
  • Bruises fade away in 1-2 weeks.

Author: Barton Schmitt MD, FAAP Copyright

Disclaimer: This health information is for educational purposes only. You the reader assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.

Article 2589


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