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

Health Information

Symptoms

• The main symptom is pain.

Prevention

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

Care Advice

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Pain Medicine:
   • To help with the pain, give acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen. Use as needed.
4. What to Expect:
   • Bruises fade away in 1-2 weeks.

Call Your Doctor If

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

Author: Barton Schmitt MD, FAAP

Copyright 2000-2020 Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC

Disclaimer: This health information is for educational purposes only. You the reader assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it. The information contained in this handout should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. Listing of any resources does not imply an endorsement.

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