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Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
Spanish version
Bruises - Brief Version
What are bruises?
The black-and-blue marks we call bruises are caused by
damaged blood vessels. Most of the time, bruises happen
when your child bumps into something or is hit by something.
If your child has bruises that cannot be explained, it's a
good idea to talk with your doctor.
What can I do to take care of my child?
If your child has a bruise:
- Put ice on the bruised area for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain. Don't use
aspirin. That may make it bleed longer.
- After 2 days, put a warm washcloth on the area for 10
minutes three times a day. This helps the skin reabsorb
the blood. Bruises go away in about 2 weeks.
If your child has a blood blister:
- Do not open the blood blister. If you open it, there is
a higher chance of infection. The blisters will dry up
and peel off in 1 to 2 weeks.
Call your child's doctor right away if:
- Your child develops new bruises AND you don't know what
caused them.
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