Patient's question:
My youngest son just turned one month old. Recently, while giving him a bath, I noticed that a part of his scalp (excluding the fontanelle) feels soft. When I gently push it, it feels like there might be some fluid accumulation between the scalp and the skull. The bone of the skull is hard, but the soft area is about the size of a child's palm. I would like to ask the experts if they have encountered this phenomenon before. Is it normal? Should I take him to see a doctor? Thank you!First follow-up question: What could be the cause of this? I would appreciate your advice and knowledge, as it will broaden my understanding. After all, such a small thing won’t be able to communicate, and it just cries loudly when something is wrong. My wife and I are very worried.
Doctor's answer:
Hello, based on the information, newborn scalp hematoma is generally referring to bleeding between the skull and the periosteum covering the skull, leading to blood accumulation. The boundary is clear, and it does not indent when pressed. It becomes noticeable around two to three days after birth and usually disappears within 1 to 3 months.For the care of scalp hematoma:
1. Local cold compress can be applied in the early stage of the hematoma to prevent it from enlarging.
2. For larger hematomas, an X-ray should be taken to check for skull damage, and blood should be drawn to test coagulation function. If abnormalities are found, appropriate treatment should be provided promptly.
3. The cranial hematoma should be allowed to absorb naturally. Avoid rubbing the hematoma or drawing blood from it to prevent infection. If infection occurs and forms an abscess, it should be drained promptly through incision.
4. Infants with hematomas should be moved minimally and positioned on the healthy side. For larger hematomas, temporary artificial feeding may be considered.
This description suggests a relatively severe case of scalp hematoma. It is recommended to actively seek medical treatment from the hospital based on the size of the hematoma and the time it takes to resolve.