Unexplained Bruising in Children: Causes & When to See a Doctor

Question
Hi! and thank you.
my 13 year old son gets these black and blue marks all over his body (some very large) - he says that they just appear - he does not remember that he got hit or banged into anything.
is this a problem? and if so - what kind of doctor should see him? the marks dont hurt him.
thank you.

Answer
With black and blue spots all over.... these probably represent bruises... it suggests a possible medical problem.... he should see his family doctor or pediatrician for a simply blood test to make sure there isn't a problem with his clotting mechanism.  Given that age, anything can happen... is it possible he was assaulted and was too embarrassed to tell you?  But, if he has a lot of bruises without an explanation, he does need an evaluation, and his regular doctor is the appropriate place to start.

Good luck with it....