Patient's question:
My youngest son just turned one month old. Recently, while giving him a bath, I noticed that a part of his top of the head (excluding the head) is soft. When I gently push it with my hand, it feels like there's water accumulating inside, between the scalp and the skull. The bone is hard, and the area of the soft part 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 the doctor? Thank you!First follow-up question: What could be the cause of this? I would appreciate your advice and knowledge. After all, such a small thing can't speak, and it just cries when something's wrong. My wife and I are very worried.
Doctor's answer:
Hello, based on the information, a newborn scalp hematoma is considered. Generally, a newborn scalp hematoma refers 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 a scalp hematoma:
1. Local cold compresses can be applied in the early stages of the hematoma to prevent it from enlarging.
2. For larger hematomas, an X-ray should be taken to assess for skull damage, and blood tests should be conducted to check 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 their healthy side. For larger hematomas, temporary artificial feeding may be recommended.
The description of the scalp hematoma appears to be relatively severe. 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.