As much as we want them to be more careful, kids will do what kids do—they’ll run into things and fall down much more than we’d like them to. However, this is what it is to be a kid, and the more active your child is, the better!

Is there a point when you should be concerned about the amount of bruises your child is getting, though? Our AFC Urgent Care Ooltewah team provides some helpful answers below, so keep reading.

What Are Bruises?

Bruises are common, but you might not know what they actually are. Bruises often show up after you experience skin trauma, and they’re a discoloration of the skin caused by leakage of blood from the small blood vessels into the tissue that surrounds them. They usually start red, then turn blue-black and green-yellow before disappearing in about two weeks.

Small bruises and discolorations aren’t usually a cause for concern. If your kid gets one, you can treat them quite easily, as we’ve listed below.

How to Treat Bruises

• Cold compress. If bruising has caused pain and swelling, applying a cold compress is step one. Remember to put a barrier, such as a towel or cloth, between the cold object and skin. Place the compress on yours or 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 Worry If My Child Gets a Lot Of Bruises?

Probably not. As previously stated, children are often very energetic and clumsy, resulting in more bumps and bruises. If your children aren’t very active, though, but they do bruise frequently, it could be related to medications they are taking or some sort of underlying illness.

Contact our AFC center right away if your child is experiencing a lot of unexplained bruises, as well as the symptoms indicated below.

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. If you believe the reason your child is bruising frequently is a low blood or platelet count, we offer CBC and blood panel tests at our AFC center, so don’t hesitate to visit us!