How to Prepare for a Telemedicine Visit About Bruising in Children

Audience: pediatric

Bruising in children can happen for many reasons, ranging from minor bumps to more serious health concerns. Preparing for a telemedicine visit about bruising helps you share important information with the healthcare provider. During the visit, you can discuss the cause, how the bruise looks, and any other symptoms your child may have. Telemedicine can often help decide if the bruising is harmless or if your child needs in-person care. It is important to know when to seek urgent help, such as if bruises appear without injury, are very large, or are accompanied by other symptoms like bleeding or pain. By gathering details about your child's bruising and health history before the visit, you can make the most of your telemedicine appointment and ensure your child gets the right care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Bruises appearing without any known injury or trauma — seek prompt medical evaluation.
• Large bruises that spread quickly or are accompanied by swelling and severe pain — get urgent care.
• Bruising with other symptoms such as bleeding from the mouth, nose, or unusual bleeding elsewhere — seek emergency care immediately.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial evaluation of bruising and related symptoms.
• Reviewing photos or live video of bruises to assess appearance.
• Discussing medical history and medications that may affect bruising.
• Providing advice on home care and when to seek further care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examinations that require touch or specialized equipment.
• Ordering immediate blood tests or imaging that require in-person visits.
• Managing emergencies such as severe bleeding or signs of serious illness.
• Diagnosing complex underlying conditions without in-person assessment.

What to Expect During the Telemedicine Visit

During the telemedicine visit, the healthcare provider will ask about your child's bruising, including when it started, where it is located, and if there was any injury. You may be asked to show the bruise on camera so the provider can see its size, color, and shape. The provider will also ask about any other symptoms such as pain, swelling, or bleeding. Be ready to discuss your child's medical history and any medications they are taking, as some medicines can affect bruising.

How to Prepare for the Telemedicine Visit

Before the visit, gather information about your child's bruising and health. Write down when you first noticed the bruise and any events that might have caused it. Take clear photos of the bruises in good lighting to show during the visit. Have a list of any medicines or supplements your child uses. Find a quiet, well-lit place for the call, and make sure your device is charged and connected to the internet. Prepare to describe any other symptoms your child has experienced.

When to Seek In-Person Care

Telemedicine can help with many questions about bruising, but some signs mean your child needs urgent in-person care. Seek emergency help if your child has bruises that appear without any known injury, bruises that are very large or spreading quickly, bleeding from the mouth, nose, or other areas, severe pain, or signs of infection like redness and warmth around the bruise. Also, if your child feels weak, dizzy, or has a high fever, get immediate medical attention.

Common Causes of Bruising in Children

Children often bruise from everyday bumps and falls during play. Bruises usually heal on their own without treatment. Some children bruise more easily due to sensitive skin or certain medical conditions. Medicines like blood thinners can also increase bruising. If bruising happens frequently or without clear cause, it is important to discuss this with your healthcare provider during the telemedicine visit.

Tips for Managing Bruises at Home

Most bruises heal without special treatment. You can help by gently cleaning the area and applying a cold pack wrapped in cloth for 10 to 20 minutes to reduce swelling. Avoid putting ice directly on the skin. Keep the bruised area elevated if possible. Watch for any changes like increased pain, swelling, or signs of infection. If you have concerns, discuss them during the telemedicine visit or seek in-person care.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note when the bruising first appeared and any possible causes or injuries.
• Take clear photos of the bruises in good lighting to show during the visit.
• List any other symptoms your child has, such as pain or swelling.
• Prepare a list of all medications and supplements your child is taking.
• Find a quiet, well-lit place with a good internet connection for the telemedicine call.
• Have a device ready with camera and microphone for video communication.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s advice on home care for bruises.
• Monitor the bruises for changes such as increased size, pain, or signs of infection.
• Schedule an in-person visit if recommended or if new concerning symptoms develop.
• Keep a record of any new bruises or symptoms to share in future visits.
• Contact healthcare services immediately if red flag symptoms appear after the visit.

FAQs

Can telemedicine tell if a bruise is serious?

Telemedicine providers can often assess bruises by reviewing their appearance and your child's symptoms. They can help decide if the bruise looks typical or if your child needs in-person evaluation for further tests or treatment.

What information should I share during the telemedicine visit?

Share when the bruise appeared, how it happened if known, any other symptoms your child has, and a list of medications. Showing clear images of the bruise helps the provider assess it better.

When should I take my child to the emergency room for bruising?

Seek emergency care if bruises appear without injury, are very large or spreading fast, if your child has bleeding from the mouth or nose, severe pain, or signs of infection like redness and warmth. Also, if your child feels weak, dizzy, or has a high fever, get immediate help.

Can medications cause bruising in children?

Yes, some medications like blood thinners or steroids can make bruising more likely. Inform your healthcare provider about all medicines your child takes during the visit.

How can I help my child’s bruise heal faster?

Applying a cold pack wrapped in cloth to the bruise for 10 to 20 minutes can reduce swelling. Keeping the bruised area elevated and avoiding further injury also helps. Most bruises heal on their own over time.

Sources

1. Bruising — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Bruising in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics.
3. Telemedicine: What You Need to Know — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Childhood Bruises: When to Worry — Mayo Clinic.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. If your child has concerning symptoms or an emergency, seek in-person medical care immediately.