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.
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