When to worry about unexplained bruises?

[Whatsername7]

My dd2 has bruises all over her arms and legs. Often, I don't know how she has got them. She is as clumsy as any normal 2 year old toddler. Is there a time when bruises should spark a worry? Her entire forearms are covered in bruises at the moment and I dont know why. She is otherwise healthy.

I have a two year old and she doesn’t have any bruises at all and I don’t think she has had any, she’s had cuts from falling at the park or whatever but no bruises. So yes I would be concerned

My child used to be covered in bruises. He was a disaster but I suppose it depends on the child.

If you are concerned maybe speak to your GP.

Take her to your GP - am sure it’s just bumps and scrapes but can signify something more serious so best to get her checked

One of my DDs bruises really easily and the other one (the more disaster prone one!) doesn't seem to bruise at all. As far as I know they're both healthy. I wouldn't worry too much if it's just bruises with no other symptoms (however I am in no way medically trained), sometimes they just bump into things without you realising.

If in doubt, get her checked out! My brother and I bruise very easily - our mum was terrified someone would accuse her of abuse when we were toddlers, so it can be 'normal' - but I would err on the side of caution if I were you.

Does she go to nursery/playgroup etc?

Dd always has bruises on her shins/arms where she trips or crashes into something when running.

Are they exceptionally dark and take a long time to disappear?

Definitely speak to your GP, forearm bruises are unusual - my 2 year old is VERY lively and is always running and falling, he's never once bruised his arm

Arms and legs on a mobile toddler are not a concern in isolation. Bruises on areas such as back, tummy and face with no obvious cause are more concerning and would warrant being checked out.

As a kid I quite regularly had up to 8 bruises on one leg. I was a clumsy dyspraxic child. With a blood condition. Sometimes kids just bruise like a peach but I would go to gp just to make sure there isn’t an underlying issue

It’s normal for children to have bruises. They are always falling and bumping into things. However, bruises on the forearms in the way you describe could potentially raise concerns from a safeguarding perspective. Just something to consider, does anybody else care for her? By all means, see a gp as there could be an underlying medical cause, but be aware there’s are questions they might ask.

I've always bruised very easily. As a child my arms and legs always had a few and now as an adult it's still the same, some people just bruise fast and easy. Speak to your gp to put your mind at rest

My 3 year old is covered in bruises from walking into things and falling.

I think it would be a good idea to ask her GP to do a full blood test especially platelet count.

I would get it checked out and I say that as someone who currently has around 9 forearm bruises.

Some people do bruise more easily than others but it is probably worth getting checked out.

If they are very fair, particularly red haired then it is probably just them.

Redheads are known to be 'bleeders' (I am one and have been 'cursed' by many a health professional.)

I bruise very easily but never really thought anything of it but when I was pregnant, got tested and found out I was a thalassaemia carried. It's not serious but means I have low level anaemia
Worth getting checked out

Make an appointment with your GP straight away.

As soon as you start to think there isn’t an adequate explanation, it’s time to get checked.

There are other causes, but the one you need to get ruled out ASAP is leukaemia.

Do not panic! Chances are it isn’t that.

It’s Leukaemia Awareness Month, and knowing the symptoms and when to go to your GP is important.

If in doubt, talk to the GP but... my daughter has always been covered in bruises, to the point where I felt I had to explain to the swimming teacher about them! He laughed and said most kids are like that if they are active.

Thanks all. She goes to nursery but I have no concerns about the staff. Ive known all of them for 8 years and there had never been the slightest hint of a worry. Her bruises on her arm are on the bottom of her forearm - I was worried about her leaning on something and it leaving a mark. Im a teacher and they don't scream abuse concerns to me. They are just usual. She can be quite a whirlwind and I bruise ridiculously easy so she might take after me. I find bruises on me not knowing where they come from so I could be being overly cautious. But, dd2 is a rainbow baby. She had sepsis in march after tonsilitis. I will admit she is very precious and im overly protective. Thanks all, I'll see my GP. My dad has Chronic Lymphatic Lukemia so its always in the back of my mind.

Try not to worry. Toddlers are clumsy little beings. I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about.

The bruising from leukaemia is quite specific. When my friend's son had it they were in weird places like his tummy and he'd get them if you poked him.

My ds is three and covered in bruises, it's normal.

I was covered in bruises when I was growing up. In those days no one said anything even if it was noticed. I also suffered severe nose bleeds, was extremely thin and pale and in chronic pain. If it was now, I'm sure my parents would have been accused of abuse. Eventually I was diagnosed with Lupus. I regularly have unexplained bruises. Please get your child checked by the doctor.

Bruises in a normal toddler is normal. My 2 year old is under the CDC and covered both on his legs and forearm. When examined by the MDT they were quite clear they would be more concerned by an absence of bruising on the legs.

A 2 yesr old who has never had a bruise is definitely not on the normal side

This is both of mine's normal