When a Bruise or Bump Needs a Doctor
Bumps and Bruises: What Ontario Parents Need to Know
Every parent has been there. Your little one takes a tumble, and suddenly there's a bump or bruise that has you wondering if this needs medical attention. Most bumps and bruises are completely normal parts of childhood, but knowing when to worry can give you peace of mind.
What's going on?
Bumps and bruises happen when your child's soft tissues get injured. A bruise forms when tiny blood vessels under the skin break and leak blood into the surrounding tissue. That's why you see those telltale color changes from red to purple to yellow as the body reabsorbs the blood.
Bumps are swelling from fluid collecting in the injured area. Kids get them constantly because they're still developing coordination and have no fear. Most of the time, these injuries look worse than they actually are.
What you might notice
- Skin color changes (red, purple, blue, green, yellow)
- Swelling or raised areas
- Tenderness when touched
- Your child favoring the injured area
- Crying or fussiness right after the injury
- Gradual color fading over several days
What helps at home
Ice is your best friend for fresh injuries. Wrap ice or a cold pack in a thin towel and apply it for 10 to 15 minutes at a time during the first 24 hours. This helps reduce swelling and numbs the pain.
For ongoing comfort, you can give age appropriate doses of children's acetaminophen or ibuprofen following package directions. Ibuprofen is especially helpful because it reduces inflammation.
Keep the injured area elevated when possible. If it's an arm or leg bump, prop it up on pillows while your child rests or sleeps.
When to worry
Head to the emergency room if your child has severe swelling that restricts movement, signs of a broken bone like visible deformity, or if they seem very unwell after a head bump with vomiting or unusual drowsiness.
You should touch base with your doctor or text Arlo if the bruise is unusually large for the injury, appears without any remembered trauma, or if your child has multiple unexplained bruises. Also reach out if swelling gets worse after 48 hours or if your child develops a fever.
The takeaway
Most childhood bumps and bruises are badges of honor from active play. Trust your instincts as a parent, and remember that proper healing takes time.
You can always text Arlo and talk to a provider in 5 minutes!
References
- [Bruises](https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/health-conditions-and-treatments/bruises)
- [Cuts, scrapes and bruises](https://aboutkidshealth.ca/article?contentid=1952&language=english)
- [When to seek emergency care](https://ontario.ca/page/get-medical-care)