Attending To Her Bruise

A bruise occurs when tiny blood vessels are damaged or broken as a result of a bang on the skin. Blood leaks into the skin causing colour change on the bruised area to reddish, which is easily visible, especially for lighter skin. It then changes to purplish (blue-black), and eventually to dark brown as the bruised area is repaired by the body. The skin then starts returning to normal. Bruises vary in shape and size depending on the severity and extent of the damage.

Treating bruises
According to Dr. Miriam Gatehi of the Nairobi’s Aga Khan University Hospital, bruises are not life-threatening as the bruised area typically heals in less than a week, unless the casualty has another condition. ‘With time, bruises should begin fading and should not be accompanied by additional symptoms,’ she says. ‘Applying little pressure to the affected area using ice reduces blood flow to the area, therefore limiting bleeding. The ice also decreases swelling,’ she adds.

For quick recovery
Good health and a proper diet are essential to the body’s natural healing process. Dark leafy vegetables are a good source of Vitamin K which helps in the (blood) clotting process. Vitamin C also helps in promoting healthy cell development, normal tissue growth that repairs skin injuries. Citrus fruits such as oranges, grapes and tangerines are rich in these vitamins and should therefore be included in your child’s diet.

While it is your duty to watch over your children to ensure their safety, bruising is bound to happen right under your nose. Welsh Child Protection Systematic Review Group revealed the following tit bits on bruising in 2009:

• Bruising is strongly related to motion. Children are likely to sustain bruises from everyday activities and accidents.
• Bruising is unlikely to occur to a baby who is not yet crawling.
• Bruises usually happen when children fall over or bump into objects on their way.
• Bruising usually occurs on the shins and the knees of babies who are walking or starting to walk.
• Infants who are just starting to walk unsupported may bump and bruise their heads-usually the forehead, nose, the centre of their chin or the back of the head.

END: BL 38/ 29