Understanding Bruises
What is it?
A bruise is bleeding under the skin from a bump or injury. It may look red, purple, or blue and can feel tender or swollen. Bruises often change colors as they heal—from dark blue to green or yellow.
Common Types
- Contusion: typical surface bruise from mild trauma
- Hematoma: larger, deeper bruise from a more forceful injury
When to Manage at Home
✅ You can manage your child's bruise at home when:
- Minor bump or fall
- Child is alert and acting normally
- Bruise is not worsening after a few days
- No bleeding disorder or unusual location
How to Treat at Home
🏠 Home remedies for Bruises:
- First 48 hours: Apply a cold pack (wrapped in cloth) for 20 minutes
- After 48 hours: Use warm compresses for 10 minutes, twice a day
- Manage pain: give Tylenol or Ibuprofen as needed
- Elevate the area if swollen
- Bruise should fade in 1–2 weeks
Safe Medications
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen for pain
- Antibiotic ointment (e.g., Neosporin, if >2 years)
When to Contact Poppins
📱 Contact us again when:
- Bruise isn’t improving in 2 weeks
- Pain is severe or increasing
- You’re unsure how the bruise occurred
- Bruise is accompanied by cuts that look infected
When to Visit Your Pediatrician
🩺 Go to an in-person appointment when:
- Frequent or unexplained bruises
- History of bleeding problems
- Bruising in a non-mobile infant
- Concerns for accidental vs non-accidental injury
When to Go to the ER
🚨 Seek immediate emergency care if your child is:
- Head injury with vomiting, confusion, or loss of consciousness
- Bruise along with slurred speech or poor balance
- Bleeding that won’t stop with pressure
- Signs of systemic illness (fever, lethargy)
If your gut tells you something is wrong, don't hesitate to reach out. Need help? Reconnect with our on-demand team of medical staff available 24/7.
