Sucking bruises in infants

Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2025 Apr 21;169:D8302.

ABSTRACT

Bruises in premobile infants are alarming signals indicating possible child maltreatment and justify an additional workup. We describe two young infants who were presented with initially unexplained hematoma on the forearm. Additional medical examination was performed. Finally it turned out that the hematoma resulted from the vigorous sucking by the infant on the forearm with a so-called sucking bruise as a result. A thoroughly taken history is necessary and a fully head-to-toe exam is mandatory. When infants in the neonatal period present with bruises, the diagnosis of sucking bruise can be considered in some cases. The diagnosis can only be confirmed by observing the neonate sucking the affected area.

PMID:40310267