Child protection agencies are required to determine the likely timing of when an injury occurred. Clinicians may still be asked to estimate the age of bruises based on a naked eye assessment of colour which is not possible. There is currently no scientific basis for estimating the age of a bruise from its colour.
Can you age bruises accurately in children a systematic review?
Conclusion: A bruise cannot accurately be aged from clinical assessment in vivo or on a photograph. At this point in time the practice of estimating the age of a bruise from its colour has no scientific basis and should be avoided in child protection proceedings.
How do you decide if a bruise on a child is cause for concern or not?
It is well accepted that bruising on the skin that depicts an object or pattern is highly suspicious for inflicted trauma. [11-13] For example, a linear bruise may indicate that the child was hit with a stick-like object, and parallel linear bruises may indicate that the child was slapped with a hand.
When should you worry about a bruise on a child?
Bruises are mostly nothing to worry about. But you should take your child to see your GP if she has bruises that dont seem related to normal childhood bumps and falls. For example, you might want to see your GP if your child: seems to bruise more easily than other children.
First, youll probably have a bump that will look red or purplish and tender. The bump might swell from the blood collecting under the tissue. After a couple of days, the bruise will look blue or even blackish. After 5 to 10 days, it may look greenish or even yellow.
Can we determine the age of contusion and how?
Bruises tend to show multiple colors as they age. Red and purple tend to be fresh. They then progress to blue, then to brown, yellow, or green. Color may help determine “early” or “late” bruising, but more precise timing on color alone is simply not accurate.
Can you date bruises?
Conclusion: A bruise cannot accurately be aged from clinical assessment in vivo or on a photograph. At this point in time the practice of estimating the age of a bruise from its colour has no scientific basis and should be avoided in child protection proceedings.
When should I worry about bruises on my child?
Bruises are mostly nothing to worry about. But you should take your child to see your GP if she has bruises that dont seem related to normal childhood bumps and falls. For example, you might want to see your GP if your child: seems to bruise more easily than other children.
What makes a child bruise easily?
Many things can cause bruises in children. Bumps and falls are the most common reason for bruising. But, sometimes bruises can indicate something more serious, like child abuse, bleeding disorders, and certain cancers.
What does it mean when a child bruises easily?
Possible reasons for frequent bruising in children include: Vascular disorders: a problem with your childs blood vessels. Platelet disorders: a problem with the blood cells that help blood to clot (platelets), such as low platelets following an illness), or more rarely, a serious conditions such as leukaemia.
What can I put on a toddlers bruise?
Your child has a fever.Apply Ice. Wrap a cold pack in a towel or washcloth and hold it against the bruise for 10 to 15 minutes. Repeat, but no more than once an hour. Elevate the Area. If possible, raise the bruised area above the heart to reduce swelling.Reduce Pain. Use infant or child-formula acetaminophen (Tylenol).Nov 5, 2019
Can an MRI determine age of injury?
An age of injury report from a Radiologist will review the MRI report and the actual MRI images and relate reported findings to a specific time frame and draw a conclusion whether the findings described are related or unrelated with the injury.