We found yesterday a bruise on my (very very active) 2-year old son's lower back that is about 2/3rds the size of a quarter. It is just to the right of his spine. He is very active and always falling, but we cannot remember him doing anything that would have caused this, except for a big fall about 9 days ago, in which he landed on his tummy and scraped his head. He hasn't been with a babysitter or anyone else who could tell us if something happened. Perhaps he fell onto a toy or something. He not a kid who cries at every little scuff, so I wouldn't know.
My question is: Should I be worried about this? I thought I remember the pediatrician saying that bruises on a child's back (especially on the lower part by the kidneys where there's no ribs or bones to protect things) are something to worry about. But, I cannot remember -- maybe he said on the back up around the armpits.
I really appreciate the advice. I'll keep my eye on things and call the ped if it gets worse or affects his personality, etc. This is probably just the first of many bruises this little boy will suffer over his run-around lifestyle! Thanks.
I have a 5 yr. old boy and a nearly 3 yr. old girl who also have small "boo-boos" on the small of their backs. I know that their's came from their slide - they slide down and always land on the grond, bumping their backs against the slide. -E.
Hi K.,
I came across your post from 10yrs ago as I'm desperately trying to find information. My 2yr old currently has what you described in your post. I'm hoping your son is in the best health and thriving. Is there anything you recall as far as the cause of the bruising?
Thank you,
M.
Hi K.,
I have a 2 and 1/2 year old and he is constantly coming up with new ways to bruise himself. I never see it happen just notice them when they show up. Unless he is acting like it is painful or it is some unnatural color I wouldn't worry too much.
I myself am one to bruise very easily. I've had little bruises, like your son's, on my arms or legs and I couldn't tell you how I got them. I guess if you bump into something just enough to break the blood vessels, then you'll get a bruise. Some people bruise easily and maybe your son is one of them. I know I'm one of them. I wouldn't worry about it.
Have you been to the park and sliding? It seems like my girls always got little bruises on their backs from the slides. If that's the case, nothing to worry about.
I think you are thinking of cafe au lait spots...brown spots that appear on the lower back that could be related to a neurological disorder (not likely to show up at this age). It sounds like he probably just bumped into something. If it doesn't go away in a week or so or if it gets bigger, call your pediatrician.
take a pic and email to your ped. They can give you advice on weather to worry.
My kids get odd bruises all of the time, I myself bruise like a peach! Kids are kids, and Boys especially are so active you just never know.
Good luck!
K., I have the exact same thing with my 2 year old. He's very articulate, so when I asked him what happened, I expected an answer. He doesn't know. He didn't even know he had a bruise. If that's the case with your son, I wouldn't worry about it. Best thing to do though, call your pediatrician. It'll give you peace of mind.
2 year olds and bruises go hand in hand. My daughter slid down off a rubber swing and had bruises all the way up those bumps along her spine. Scared me to death but she never missed a beat. He probably landed on something or backed into something. I think he's your best thermometer for letting you know if something's wrong. If it isn't bothering him let him go on. Keep an eye on it to make sure it's just a bruise and goes away.
Hi K.!
I just wanted to say that I never worried too much either until I had my daughter- frustrating isn't it???
Anyway- Does his back or the bruise seem to be sore or is it really bothering him? If not, keep an eye on it. If you're really worried though, call the DR and ask them if they think it needs to be checked out. Better to be safe than sorry.
R.
My initial thought is that it is most likely nothing to worry about unless it is painful, feels hard to the touch, has an abnormal color or appearance, or isn't going away. Does your son have any other unexplained symptoms like a fever, rash, fatigue or aches? If so, they could be signs of an injury or illness. Regardless of any other symptoms, if the bruise worries you have him seen by his ped.
K.,
Yes--nothing like a little "labor & delivery" to turn us all into HUGE worry-warts! haha
My son gets bruises on his back fairly often--seems he likes to SLIDE down the carpeted stairs! I wouldn't worry about it unless it's recurring a lot and for sure you haven't seen him fall, etc.
Denise
If it is close to the spine, you do not have to worry about the kidneys. They are farther out. Also, it would have to be a very powerful, direct blow to the kidneys to cause damage. (Falling on a post from a great height, a serious punch delivered by a big kid or adult, etc.)
He most likely ran into something or fell or, like others have mentioned, hit his back on the slide. Now that he is a runner, he will get a lot of bruises. You should see my three year old daughter's knees and legs right now - she probably has ten or twleve bruises on each leg. It's just the way it is with busy children. My one year old has scraped knees and a bruise on his thigh. I used to worry about every bump and bruise too but my kids don't even notice them. When they do, they get a mommy exam and some mommy kisses and it makes it all better.
If he bruises a lot and the bruising does not go away, talk to your doctor. And of course if you are really worried, call your ped's office and discuss it. My mom is a pediatric nurse and she takes a lot of calls like this!
A.
First of all, you don't mention any other symptoms of anything being wrong. This being said, I'm sure he is probably just fine.
However, if you are concerned, call the doctor's office and speak with his nurse. It won't cost you anything to call. The doctor or his nurse will either tell you everything is fine (as I suspect) or will ask you to bring him in to be checked. Either way, you will end up with a little peace of mind.
Remember, if you ever have a question about your child's health and physical safety, you can call his doctor's office. If they are closed, check on your medical card. The insurance companies usually have a 24 hour nurse line to call as well for medical questions. It is always better to have the peace of mind that talking to them can give you. It may not always be good news from them (sometimes they'll send you to the emergency room to be sure nothing is wrong) but at least then you know. It sometimes means the difference between sleeping at night or being up worrying.
Hope this helps.
