Bruises and Blood Spots Under the Skin
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
Do you have an unexplained increase in the number or size of bruises or red blood spots under the skin?
See significance of bruises or red blood spots under the skin if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Does a child age 3 or younger have a bulging soft spot on his or her head when he or she is not crying?
Yes Is a child age 3 or younger crying or having other signs of pain after 30 minutes of home treatment?
Yes Do you know or think you have a fever?
Yes Do you have a severe stiff neck?
Yes Are you extremely sleepy or having a hard time waking up?
You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
Yes Have you had a gradual increase in the number or size of bruises or blood spots over the past 72 hours, but you do not have any other symptoms?
You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
Yes Have you had a gradual increase in the number or size of bruises or blood spots in the past few weeks, but you do not have any other symptoms?
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: May 8, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology | |
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