Can bruising in a child point to something serious? (photo)

Doctor's Answer

I assume your son is well apart from the bruising. I hope to reassure you that bruising is common in young children due to frequent falls whilst playing. Perhaps you can check with his carer to see if there has been any minor accidents.

However, if your son shows other signs of abnormal bruising (no trauma and in odd places), especially with sign of easy bleeding in particular during teeth brushing, I would advise you to see a local doctor or paediatrician for blood test to rule out any abnormality in his platelets and perhaps also clotting factors.

Low platelets leads to easy bruising and bleeding in children is not uncommon following a recent illness.

If the bruising has an underlying mass and changes in size or shape at certain position, we will need to exclude underlying vascular (blood vessels) abnormality. I would advise you to send him to see a qualified dermatologist to check on this. This can only be examined carefully in clinic and also with an ultrasound.

The list of causes for bruising is long and if you have concern, please do not hesitate to see your local paediatrician. They can advise you appropriately on the next step of management if required.

I hope this information is helpful.

Best Wishes,

Dr. Liew Hui Min

Consultant Dermatologist

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