When a child bruises easily, the injuries may seem unexpected.
Some can occur beyond what would seem the normal knee or shin bruise of an active child.
What Is Normal Bruising?
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Normal bruising is usually found on a child’s shins.
That’s because they often bump their lower legs against things as they walk or run.
These bruises are usually flat and smaller than the size of a quarter.
Younger children often get bruises on their forehead, too, from falling andbumping their heads.
With typical bruises:
Some types of bruises can be cause for concern, though.
Medical Conditions That Cause Bruising
Severe injuries can often lead to extensive bruising.
Large, bruise-like lesions that look purplish red on light skin and brownish black on dark skin occur.
There may also be swelling that begins in the hands and feet and progresses to the arms and legs.
The condition is not serious and it’s self-limiting.
Most children recover without treatment in one to three weeks.
Von Willebrand Disease
Von Willebranddiseaseis a common and often mild bleeding disorder.
It can cause people to bruise easily and have frequent nosebleeds and bleeding after surgery.
Thrombocytopenia
Thrombocytopeniais a low platelet count affecting how blood clots.
Some of the symptoms of thrombocytopenia include easy bruising and frequent nosebleeds.
The condition is considered self-limiting.
It can be treated and most children recover, although symptoms can be more severe in some cases.
It is a throw in of vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels).
There are several types, determined by the specific clotting factor deficiency that’s involved.
It is usually diagnosed before a child is 2 to 5 years old.
They may have a lowred blood cell count, fever, and weight loss.
Vitamin K Deficiency
Vitamin Kis needed for blood clotting.
Vitamin K deficiencycan occur when a person doesn’t eat enough vitamin K-containing foods, like leafy greens.
So can skin infections or allergic reactions.
See a pediatrician to ensure a diagnosis of your child’s symptoms.
Medications That Cause Bruising
Certain medications can cause abnormal bruising as a side effect.
Some of these include:
Seizure medicines and antibiotics also can lead to easy bruising.
Summary
Bruising is normal in active, healthy children.
Normal bruises will usually go away in around two weeks.
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