Kids will be kids. They run into things, fall down and are typically much more active than we adults are. Because of this, bruises tend to appear on their bodies quite often.
Is their lack of awareness the only thing that contributes to more bruising, though, or can other factors be at play, too?
Our AFC Urgent Care Ballantyne team shares some helpful answers below, so keep reading!
What Is a Bruise?
A bruise happens when blood vessels underneath the skin are popped, causing them to leak and show up as a black, blue, purple, brown or yellow discoloration. There’s no external bleeding unless the skin breaks open.
Small bruises and discolorations aren’t usually a cause for concern, and you can treat them quite easily, as we’ve listed below.
How to Treat Bruises
- Cold compress. If bruising has caused pain and swelling, cold compress is step number one. Remember to put a barrier, such as a towel or cloth, between the cold object and skin. Place the compress on your child’s skin for up to 20 minutes at a time.
- Elevation. If an arm or leg is involved, elevate the limb and apply a cold compress for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, or until the swelling is reduced.
- Over-the-counter medication, such as acetaminophen.
Should I Be Concerned If My Child Bruises a Lot?
Not necessarily. Like we said earlier, kids are very active and clumsy at times, which can lead to more bumps and bruises. However, if your kids aren’t overly active yet they still bruise a lot, it could be due to certain medications or underlying conditions.
If your child is getting a lot of unexplained bruises along with the symptoms that we’ve listed below, reach out to our AFC center today.
When to Call a Doctor
- Rashes
- An enlarged abdomen
- Fever
- Sweating and/or chills
- Bone pain
- Facial abnormalities
Our AFC team is here for you now and always! Don’t hesitate to visit our AFC Urgent Care Ballantyne team today.
