Treatment
Bruises in children do not require extensive treatment in most cases. Small superficial bruises that do not cause serious symptoms are usually treated conservatively. One can simply wait until the bruise heals on its own after a few days or weeks and the discoloration of the tissue fades.
This can be supported by cooling the affected tissue and adequate pain medication. Cooling not only reduces the swelling, but also causes the blood vessels to contract, resulting in less blood leaking. Besides cooling compresses and special cooling pads, ointments such as heparin are often used.
This prevents further expansion of the bruise. Initial physical protection of the affected area can also prevent further expansion of the effusion. Additional relief of the symptoms can be achieved by elevating the affected extremities. If, for example, a bruise has accumulated in a joint as a result of trauma, it is often advisable to immobilize it with the help of a bandage. If a particularly large haematoma develops, which displaces the surrounding tissue or organs, in some cases surgical relief may be necessary.
Duration
A bruise usually does not last long. It usually subsides completely after a few days. During the healing process, the bruise changes in colour and spread.
Initially it appears reddish and then turns bluish. After 2 – 3 days, when the decomposition process begins, it turns yellowish to greenish, until it finally fades and disappears without residue. Bruises that accumulate in deeper regions of the body are often very painful because the leaked blood presses on the surrounding tissue. They also take a longer time to heal completely.
Haematoma in the child after birth
A bruise on the baby after birth is a common and usually harmless consequence of vaginal birth. As the baby has to pass through the mother’s often very narrow birth canal and overcome some narrow spots, a small traumatisation of individual parts of the body often occurs, which becomes visible in the form of small bruises after birth. These usually heal on their own after a few days and do not require much follow-up.
A special type of bruise, which occurs when pressing through the birth canal or when using forceps or suction bells, is the cephalhematoma. This is a bluish to red swelling of the head, which also recedes on its own in the course of time. Bruises in children that are located in the head area should always be given sufficient attention, as bruises on the head are quickly accompanied by a concussion.
Therefore, the affected children should always be examined thoroughly to detect possible abnormalities such as nausea, dizziness, headaches or changes in vision. In the case of particularly large haematomas, the risk of a possible internal cerebral haemorrhage or an increase in external pressure on the brain should also always be considered. Bruises on the arm usually occur as a result of a fall or accident.
They do not have a high disease value and usually heal on their own after a few days or weeks. In children, however, special attention should be paid to the location of the bruises and whether they occur sporadically or bilaterally and symmetrically. In some cases, bruises on the extremities, especially in different phases of healing, can also indicate the presence of maltreatment.
In the case of falls and minor mishaps, children often run the risk of biting their tongue. It is usually perceived as very unpleasant. In addition to an unpleasant, disturbing feeling, the affected children often complain of stabbing pain and problems with swallowing and eating.
The fastest and most effective relief is usually achieved by cooling measures. Bruises on the gums can quickly develop in children as a result of slight falls or carelessness. Because the gums and oral mucosa are very well supplied with blood and nerves, the bruises at these places are very painful and disturbing.
In addition, a strong swelling in the mouth area leads to a restriction in fluid and food intake. Bruises on and in the eyes of children should be examined more closely to rule out possible concomitant injuries to the eyeball or vision. If the swelling is particularly severe, there is a risk that excessive pressure is exerted on the eye, possibly resulting in compression of the optic nerve and a reduction or, in the worst case, loss of vision.