What does cephalohematoma look like?

What does cephalohematoma look like?

The most obvious sign of a cephalohematoma is a soft, raised area on the newborn’s head. A firm, enlarged unilateral or bilateral bulge on top of one or more bones below the scalp characterizes a cephalohematoma. The raised area cannot be transilluminated, and the overlying skin is usually not discolored or injured.

Is cephalohematoma normal in newborns?

Cephalohematoma is a typically harmless condition that causes blood to pool under a newborn’s scalp after a difficult vaginal delivery. Pressure during childbirth, including the use of vacuum extractors, can break blood vessels in the scalp.

How long does it take for cephalohematoma to go away?

You can expect the bump to go away in several weeks to a few months. Some injuries may take up to three months to heal completely. In rare cases, your doctor may decide to drain the pooled blood. This isn’t always necessary, and it increases the infant’s risk of infection and an abscess.

How do you treat cephalohematoma?

Treatment of Cephalohematoma In most instances, your newborn will not need any treatment for cephalohematoma because it goes away without any medical interventions. The bump goes away after several weeks or months. Occasionally a doctor may attempt to drain it, though this is not always necessary.

Why do babies get cephalohematoma?

Cephalohematoma in newborns is a relatively common condition in which a small pool of blood develops into a mass just underneath the baby’s scalp outside the skull. The blood Cephalohematomas are caused when the pressure on a baby’s head during vaginal childbirth damages or ruptures very small blood vessels in scalp.

Can a cephalohematoma get bigger?

Enlarging Cephalohematoma A newborn infant’s cephalohematoma may get bigger in the few days following birth. However, parents must seek medical attention if the baby has an enlarging, red, fluctuant bulge on the head which does not show any signs of becoming smaller.

Can a cephalohematoma cause brain damage?

Cephalohematoma does not usually cause brain damage because the blood is pooled on top of the skull. However, babies born with cephalohematoma may be at risk for certain medical conditions, including jaundice, infection, and anemia.

Is cephalohematoma permanent?

PURPOSE: Calcified cephalohematoma of infancy is a result of a subperiosteal blood collection, that usually forms during birth-related trauma. Calcified cephalohematomas can permanently deform the infant cranium, and significant deformities often require correction.

When should I worry about cephalohematoma?

Of course, even though cephalohematomas are largely innocuous, they can cause jaundice, so you should monitor your baby for any signs of jaundice including yellowing skin, lethargy, and poor feeding. Don’t hesitate to call your doctor if you encounter any of these—or any other concerning symptoms.

Can cephalohematoma cause death?

The pooled blood can put pressure on the brain’s tissue, which can cause significant disabilities or even death if it is not treated in a timely manner. Thankfully, many cases of newborn cephalohematoma do not cause significant brain damage and will heal on their own, without medical treatment.

When should I be concerned about cephalohematoma?