Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsNormal SignsMedical ConditionsMedicationsBruises Related to Child AbuseWhen to See a Provider
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Normal Signs
Medical Conditions
Medications
Bruises Related to Child Abuse
When to See a Provider
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. These atypical bruises may be a sign of an underlying medical condition likehemophilia(a blood disorder) or a vitamin K deficiency.Bruising also is common with leukemia.
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What Is Normal Bruising?
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. When children bruise easily and there’s a pattern of broken blood vessels, it could indicate an underlying medical problem like low platelet levels that lead to clotting problems.Nosebleedsand other symptoms can occur along with bruises that are linked to a more serious health issue.
Medical Conditions That Cause Bruising
Severe injuries can often lead to extensive bruising. Instead of simply looking at the size of a bruise, it is more important to think about whether or not the bruise is proportionate to the injury.For example, you would expect a larger bruise if your child falls out of a tree than if they trip on grass.
Certain signs suggest that bruising may be related to an underlying health concern, including some of the following conditions.
Acute Hemorrhagic Edema of Infancy
The condition is typically seen in children between the ages of 4 and 24 months.In about half of cases, a fever is present and a history of infection is common. 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.
In most cases, von Willebrand disease is a genetic disease but it may not be diagnosed accurately until later in life.Medications are used to treat the condition.
Thrombocytopenia
Thrombocytopeniais a low platelet count affecting how blood clots. A low platelet count can be caused when platelets aren’t being produced, are being destroyed, or are contained in an enlarged spleen.
Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)
The condition is considered self-limiting. It can be treated and most children recover, although symptoms can be more severe in some cases.
Henoch-Schonlein Purpura (HSP)
Henoch-Schonlein purpura(HSP) produces a distinctive rash on a child’s arms, legs, and buttocks that looks like bruises (purpura). It is a type of vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels).
Hemophilia
It is usually diagnosed before a child is 2 to 5 years old. It may be suspected when a child bruises easily, has bleeding in joints, or excessive bleeding after a cut or dental procedure.
Leukemia
In addition to easy bruising, bleeding, and a low platelet count, children with leukemia usually have other signs and symptoms. They may have a lowred blood cell count, fever, and weight loss.
Vitamin K Deficiency
Vitamin K deficiency can occur when a person doesn’t eat enough vitamin K-containing foods, like leafy greens. In newborns, vitamin K deficiency occurs because very little vitamin K is passed from the mother to the fetus.
Ruling Out Other CausesA number of causes, including burns or frostbite, can appear to cause a bruise. So can skin infections or allergic reactions. See a pediatrician to ensure a diagnosis of your child’s symptoms.
Ruling Out Other Causes
A number of causes, including burns or frostbite, can appear to cause a bruise. 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.
Likewise, bruises in specific shapes, like a large bite mark, cigarette burn, or belt mark can be signs of child abuse.
When to See a Pediatrician About Bruising
You should also see a pediatrician if you notice:
See a healthcare provider anytime if you feel unsure about your child’s symptoms, or the bruises do not follow a typical pattern of color progression or do not heal. Seek immediate care if you suspect a broken bone or deeper trauma, including symptoms of swelling, mobility problems, or severe pain.
Summary
Bruising is normal in active, healthy children. Sometimes, however, bruising can be a sign of something serious, like a health condition or even child abuse. Normal bruises will usually go away in around two weeks.
A bruise that lasts longer than that or gets worse over time could be a sign of a medical condition, like a blood disorder, a vitamin K deficiency, leukemia, or even child abuse. If you find bruises on a child too young to crawl or walk, or bruises in unusual patterns, contact a healthcare provider.
19 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institutes of Health’s Office of Dietary Supplements.Vitamin K.American Cancer Society.Signs and Symptoms of Childhood Leukemia.Cho N, Koti AS.Identifying inflicted injuries in infants and young children.Semin Pediatr Neurol. 2024 Jul;50:101138. doi:10.1016/j.spen.2024.101138Australian Government Department of Social Services.Bruises and bruising.Gotesman M, Shear M, Raheel S, Procassini M, Panosyan EH.Pediatric Immune Thrombocytopenia. Adv Pediatr. 2024 Aug;71(1):229-240. doi:10.1016/j.yapd.2024.02.007Hoang T, Dowdy RAE.Review of Inherited Coagulation Disorders.Anesth Prog. 2024 Jul 8;71(2):87-95. doi:10.2344/anpr-71-2_continuing_eduAmerican Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.Bruises and cuts.Leung AKC, Leong KF, Lam JM.Acute Hemorrhagic Edema of Infancy: A Diagnostic Challenge for the General Pediatrician.Curr Pediatr Rev. 2020;16(4):285-293. doi:10.2174/1573396316666200727145039Du P, Bergamasco A, Moride Y, et al.Von Willebrand disease epidemiology, burden of illness and management: a systematic review.J Blood Med. 2023;14:189-208. doi:10.2147/JBM.S389241Yale Medicine.Thrombocytopenia.Russo G, Parodi E, Farruggia P, Notarangelo LD, Perrotta S, Casale M,et al.Recommendations for the management of acute immune thrombocytopenia in children. A Consensus Conference from the Italian Association of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology.Blood Transfus. 2024 May;22(3):253-265. doi:10.2450/BloodTransfus.501DermNet.Henoch–Schönlein purpura.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diagnosing hemophilia.Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.Acute Myeloid Leukemia.Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What is vitamin K deficiency bleeding?SUNY Upstate Medical University.Child Abuse Evaluation and Treatment Appendix H: Differential Diagnosis Table.Stanford Medicine.Bruising.Indiana University Riley Children’s Health.Bruises in Children: What’s Normal and When to Worry.Additional ReadingDespotovic JM.Causes of thrombocytopenia in children.Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Silberstein LE, Heslop H, Weitz J, Anastasi J.Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice, 6th ed. Elsevier; 2018. doi:10.1016/C2013-0-23355-9
19 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institutes of Health’s Office of Dietary Supplements.Vitamin K.American Cancer Society.Signs and Symptoms of Childhood Leukemia.Cho N, Koti AS.Identifying inflicted injuries in infants and young children.Semin Pediatr Neurol. 2024 Jul;50:101138. doi:10.1016/j.spen.2024.101138Australian Government Department of Social Services.Bruises and bruising.Gotesman M, Shear M, Raheel S, Procassini M, Panosyan EH.Pediatric Immune Thrombocytopenia. Adv Pediatr. 2024 Aug;71(1):229-240. doi:10.1016/j.yapd.2024.02.007Hoang T, Dowdy RAE.Review of Inherited Coagulation Disorders.Anesth Prog. 2024 Jul 8;71(2):87-95. doi:10.2344/anpr-71-2_continuing_eduAmerican Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.Bruises and cuts.Leung AKC, Leong KF, Lam JM.Acute Hemorrhagic Edema of Infancy: A Diagnostic Challenge for the General Pediatrician.Curr Pediatr Rev. 2020;16(4):285-293. doi:10.2174/1573396316666200727145039Du P, Bergamasco A, Moride Y, et al.Von Willebrand disease epidemiology, burden of illness and management: a systematic review.J Blood Med. 2023;14:189-208. doi:10.2147/JBM.S389241Yale Medicine.Thrombocytopenia.Russo G, Parodi E, Farruggia P, Notarangelo LD, Perrotta S, Casale M,et al.Recommendations for the management of acute immune thrombocytopenia in children. A Consensus Conference from the Italian Association of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology.Blood Transfus. 2024 May;22(3):253-265. doi:10.2450/BloodTransfus.501DermNet.Henoch–Schönlein purpura.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diagnosing hemophilia.Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.Acute Myeloid Leukemia.Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What is vitamin K deficiency bleeding?SUNY Upstate Medical University.Child Abuse Evaluation and Treatment Appendix H: Differential Diagnosis Table.Stanford Medicine.Bruising.Indiana University Riley Children’s Health.Bruises in Children: What’s Normal and When to Worry.Additional ReadingDespotovic JM.Causes of thrombocytopenia in children.Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Silberstein LE, Heslop H, Weitz J, Anastasi J.Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice, 6th ed. Elsevier; 2018. doi:10.1016/C2013-0-23355-9
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Institutes of Health’s Office of Dietary Supplements.Vitamin K.American Cancer Society.Signs and Symptoms of Childhood Leukemia.Cho N, Koti AS.Identifying inflicted injuries in infants and young children.Semin Pediatr Neurol. 2024 Jul;50:101138. doi:10.1016/j.spen.2024.101138Australian Government Department of Social Services.Bruises and bruising.Gotesman M, Shear M, Raheel S, Procassini M, Panosyan EH.Pediatric Immune Thrombocytopenia. Adv Pediatr. 2024 Aug;71(1):229-240. doi:10.1016/j.yapd.2024.02.007Hoang T, Dowdy RAE.Review of Inherited Coagulation Disorders.Anesth Prog. 2024 Jul 8;71(2):87-95. doi:10.2344/anpr-71-2_continuing_eduAmerican Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.Bruises and cuts.Leung AKC, Leong KF, Lam JM.Acute Hemorrhagic Edema of Infancy: A Diagnostic Challenge for the General Pediatrician.Curr Pediatr Rev. 2020;16(4):285-293. doi:10.2174/1573396316666200727145039Du P, Bergamasco A, Moride Y, et al.Von Willebrand disease epidemiology, burden of illness and management: a systematic review.J Blood Med. 2023;14:189-208. doi:10.2147/JBM.S389241Yale Medicine.Thrombocytopenia.Russo G, Parodi E, Farruggia P, Notarangelo LD, Perrotta S, Casale M,et al.Recommendations for the management of acute immune thrombocytopenia in children. A Consensus Conference from the Italian Association of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology.Blood Transfus. 2024 May;22(3):253-265. doi:10.2450/BloodTransfus.501DermNet.Henoch–Schönlein purpura.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diagnosing hemophilia.Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.Acute Myeloid Leukemia.Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What is vitamin K deficiency bleeding?SUNY Upstate Medical University.Child Abuse Evaluation and Treatment Appendix H: Differential Diagnosis Table.Stanford Medicine.Bruising.Indiana University Riley Children’s Health.Bruises in Children: What’s Normal and When to Worry.
National Institutes of Health’s Office of Dietary Supplements.Vitamin K.
American Cancer Society.Signs and Symptoms of Childhood Leukemia.
Cho N, Koti AS.Identifying inflicted injuries in infants and young children.Semin Pediatr Neurol. 2024 Jul;50:101138. doi:10.1016/j.spen.2024.101138
Australian Government Department of Social Services.Bruises and bruising.
Gotesman M, Shear M, Raheel S, Procassini M, Panosyan EH.Pediatric Immune Thrombocytopenia. Adv Pediatr. 2024 Aug;71(1):229-240. doi:10.1016/j.yapd.2024.02.007
Hoang T, Dowdy RAE.Review of Inherited Coagulation Disorders.Anesth Prog. 2024 Jul 8;71(2):87-95. doi:10.2344/anpr-71-2_continuing_edu
American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.Bruises and cuts.
Leung AKC, Leong KF, Lam JM.Acute Hemorrhagic Edema of Infancy: A Diagnostic Challenge for the General Pediatrician.Curr Pediatr Rev. 2020;16(4):285-293. doi:10.2174/1573396316666200727145039
Du P, Bergamasco A, Moride Y, et al.Von Willebrand disease epidemiology, burden of illness and management: a systematic review.J Blood Med. 2023;14:189-208. doi:10.2147/JBM.S389241
Yale Medicine.Thrombocytopenia.
Russo G, Parodi E, Farruggia P, Notarangelo LD, Perrotta S, Casale M,et al.Recommendations for the management of acute immune thrombocytopenia in children. A Consensus Conference from the Italian Association of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology.Blood Transfus. 2024 May;22(3):253-265. doi:10.2450/BloodTransfus.501
DermNet.Henoch–Schönlein purpura.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diagnosing hemophilia.
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What is vitamin K deficiency bleeding?
SUNY Upstate Medical University.Child Abuse Evaluation and Treatment Appendix H: Differential Diagnosis Table.
Stanford Medicine.Bruising.
Indiana University Riley Children’s Health.Bruises in Children: What’s Normal and When to Worry.
Despotovic JM.Causes of thrombocytopenia in children.Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Silberstein LE, Heslop H, Weitz J, Anastasi J.Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice, 6th ed. Elsevier; 2018. doi:10.1016/C2013-0-23355-9
Despotovic JM.Causes of thrombocytopenia in children.
Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Silberstein LE, Heslop H, Weitz J, Anastasi J.Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice, 6th ed. Elsevier; 2018. doi:10.1016/C2013-0-23355-9
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