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A bump or bruise (no open wound) - Infants

Infants (Ages 0–2)Children (Ages 3–17)Adults (Ages 10–74)Seniors (Ages 75 and Older)

What it is

Bumps and bruises can be caused by an impact or a fall. The skin isn’t broken, but there is an injury underneath. If the impact wasn’t hard, a small bruise may appear. If the impact was harder, there could be a big bump or some blood under the skin. It could be painful, and possibly swollen, red, or hot, for a few days. Symptoms usually decrease after 3 days.

What you can do at home

What to do
  • Help your child keep the injured area elevated, unless: 
    • The injured body part doesn’t look right (possible fracture) → do not move it;  
    • The injury is to the neck → do not move the child; 
  • You can apply ice to the injured area for 15 to 20 minutes, every two hours, for 24 to 48 hours after the impact. This helps reduce both swelling and pain. Do not do this if your child has circulatory issues. 
  • As of the third day, apply heat to the injured area for 20 to 30 minutes, 4 times a day. Do not do this if your child has circulatory or coagulation issues, or if you have applied an analgesic gel. 
  • If your child is in pain, follow your pharmacy’s advice. You can give them acetaminophen (Tylenol) if there are no contraindications. Note: Ibuprofen should not be given to children under 6 months of age.   
Avoid
  • The injured body part doesn’t look right (possible fracture) → do not move it;  
  • The injury is to the neck → do not move the child; 
  • Do not massage the injured area. 

When to seek medical attention

If your child have any of these signs:
  • limited movement or mobility; 
  • a large bruise (hematoma) by the ear;  
  • a neck injury; 
signs of infection, despite treatment:
  • increasing pain; 
  • leaking pus; 
  • redness or swelling that worsens after 72 hours. 

Call 811, Option 1, to speak with a nurse, or contact a healthcare professional (pharmacist, doctor, nurse practitioner).

When to go to the hospital right away

If your child:
  • is in a lot of pain and you see the injured area is misshapen; 
  • has worsening pain, numbness, weakness in the injured area, or loss of sensation;  
  • has a very rapid heartbeat;  
  • has a fever and shivers; 
  • is very weak or tired; 
  • has difficulty breathing; 
  • has pale, moist, cold skin; 
  • has an injury that could be related to a violent incident; 
  • shows signs of an infection at the injury site that is quickly worsening: redness, swelling, intense pain. 
     

Need help?

Call Info-Santé at 811, Option 1, to speak with a nurse at any time.   

Go to the pharmacy for advice on medications or treatment.   

Make an appointment at your medical clinic or CLSC.   

If you do not have a family doctor, go to https://gap.soinsvirtuels.gouv.qc.ca/en or call 811, Option 3.    

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