Bruising on 5 year old

[Lucyrobbo12]

Hi!

my daughter gets some quite nasty looking bruises on her shin and occasionally on her outer thigh. There is usually an explanation for them. Banging and clumsy behaviour. She just seems to bruise like a peach. She also gets occasional nose bleeds. Hasn’t had one in ages before the 6 weeks holiday. I’m a very anxious health mum. After lots of traumatic health problems with myself, family and son (last year…he’s fine now) I find myself googling symptoms! I took her to the docs today and overall seemed happy with her but advised to get bloods done ‘for reassurance purposes’. She said that she expects the results to be normal but obviously I am in a fit of worry!! Anyone with any other experience similar and also how to cope with a 5 year old having a blood test??! TIA!

I think it’s great your GP is doing a blood test, OP. I’m sure your DD will be fine but totally understand your worries. Does she bruise elsewhere? Does she have any non blanching (petechial) rashes? The nose bleeds could be a complete red herring and not linked to the bruising on her shins. If she’s well in herself (not pale / lethargic / losing weight), I would try not to worry. My DC have to have blood tests every year and I found that keeping them calm / put a video or game on your phone will prove a good distraction. I would buy a little gift (toy or magazine) as a treat for afterwards as it’s something for them to look forward to. Also, your DD should be given “magic cream” - slather this on both hands (thick layers!) and also ask for the cold spray as this will also help numb the area. Good luck

No rashes. No lethargic behaviour/illnesses/paleness (I mean she’s quite faired skins anyway but wouldn’t describe as pale). She’s very active . Love running and playing and never really struggles to stay awake etc. she’s been getting nosebleeds on and off since she was about 2.5years old. I have to wait a week for the blood test so will be anxious until then. She’s just learnt how to ride a bike properly so I’m wondering if the bruises come from that but there is usually a reason for them. The doc said it’s for reassurance purposes and thought it would be good to do a full blood count. Thank you for replying