How many bruises?

This may seem like a strange question. But, how many bruises do your children normally have? My daughter has just turned 4 and I quite often count her bruises just as an idea as to whether they are getting worse or better. Generally she always has between 40-50 bruises of varrying sizes, last week she had over 70 and she is always covered with petechiae.

I have no idea how that compares to other children with ITP and just thought it would be nice to know.

I've never counted before you asked! I had a quick look tonight, and I got to 15 -but I was only allowed to look on lower arms and legs!!!!! Dougie has a lot at the moment (for him) probably because he is playing football a lot at school. He also has a few spots on his lower legs, but you can't really see them until you specifically look.

I have never counted either, I look for petichiae and bleeding more than bruising. Kayla is at 104 today WOOHOO with some new bruises.
This wasn't a check due to the bruises but because we are headed out of the country and wanted to know where we are sitting before we go.

I would use the amount/darkness of my son's bruises,to "tell" how low/high he was. Well, that theory got blown away when he had no bruises and he stopped bleeding immediatly when he had a count done, and he was at 42k. He has had quite a few bruises and didn't stop bleeding quickly when he got his counts done, and he would be at 75k. Nothing is "for sure" with this ITP. And I've noticed that it is a little different for everyone. I do keep a close eye for any bleeding, but don't pay as much attention to the bruises.The "worst" thing about the bruises may be in the summer,(wearing shorts) people tend to give you funny looks, like maybe you abuse your child! But oh-well! Lol!

Thank you for your replies.

I only count the bruises as our heamatologist said it was a good indication of her count and told us to monitor how many there are. She seems to go in cycles of approximately 4 weeks with petichiae everywhere and tonnes of bruises and then a couple of weeks with not many (not many for her between 20-30).

I had thought that 70 bruises that I posted about was a lot, but she had 108 the other day. At least it doesn't bother her.

My daughter was diagnosed with acute ITP when she was around 3.5. With treatment, her platelet level has been back to normal for the past two years. However, I constantly find new bruises on her limbs. Not a lot, but probably 10~20 each time, the sizes of which are usually no more than 1.5cm in diameter. She has had bloodwork done many times, but each time the results came back normal. I am still a little paranoid though, not sure when I should ignore the bruises and when I should order another bloodwork.

My daughter probably has about 10 - 15 but there is usally a couple that are quite large and extremely black/purple. My daughters count today was ZERO

Hmm, I have never really counted either. Jordan, right now, has probably about 4-5 on his legs, 2-3 on his arms, and a small one on his shoulder. He normally can tell me how he got the ones on his arms, but is always baffled to how he got any on his legs.

That sounds like my daughter. She is 4 as well. Last week she was covered in bruises and as expected her number was 13K. She needed treatment. My daughter never complained of them either.

Grasshopper - your doctor is really firing me up today. The number of bruises is no indication of what the counts are. I've never heard of such a thing. Some people can be at 2 with not a bruise to be found, and others can be at 75 with 20 of them. I'm not one to bash doctors, but the only sound that comes to mind with this one is "quack". Have you checked her credentials?

I can back up Sandi's claim there with my own experience and whilst I am adult I can hand on heart say that the number of bruises/spots do not indicate how low the count is.

Last sunday I had one unusual spot on my neck (not a normal place) and at fist told myself innocently a new mole. I brushed my teeth before church and they bled though often do when due for a period. So did not ring a bell with me. Came home from church and had 5 petachie on my inner right leg. one very small but purpula style bruise (only can tell looking back of course) on left knee. That was it!!! I rang the hospital because usually when petachie shows on me it below 10.

The blood test came back and the count was just 4. So whether one has lots of bruising or very few bruising or petachie isn't that real a guide. Far better to rely on the blood test. They sent me home next day as not bleeding and go back for appointment tomorrow. So have had a usual full week rather than a boring week in hospital. But the number of spots/bruises are no real guide. Which just goes to show how serious and confusing it all is I suppose. Yes am an adult rather than a child but adults do/can bruise as easily.

Keep an eye on children yes because they find it harder to speak for themselves and if uncertain pick up the phone and ring the haematologist and have a discussion with them rather than guess the number of bruises. Easier said than done as need to have courage but... As Sandi said, some people have very little sign and be low.

I hope you feel happier about the situation soon;)

Its different for everyone, and the longer she has ITP, the more likely it is her baseline will change. Tim is unpredictable. Sometimes he has no bruises and he's well under 10k. Other times he is covered with them. Can never tell by his bruises.