What is the Difference Between Cephalohematoma and Caput Succedaneum?

Cephalohematoma and caput succedaneum are both birth injuries that involve swelling or lumps on a newborn's head, but they have different causes and characteristics:

Cephalohematoma:

Occurs when blood pools between the baby's skull and scalp due to blood vessel damage.
Caused by prolonged labor, difficult labor, or the use of forceps or vacuum extractors.
Appears as a soft, irregular bump on the back of the baby's head.
Affects 1 to 2% of all infants.
Most cases heal on their own within a few months.

Caput Succedaneum:

Refers to the swelling or edema of a baby's scalp.
Caused by pressure on the head during the birth process.
Commonly seen on the presenting portion of the infant's skull during labor.
Occurs in 2% to 33% of all infants.
Generally resolves on its own within a few days or weeks.

Both conditions typically heal on their own and are not considered serious. However, they can lead to complications such as jaundice and infections if not properly handled. It is important for healthcare professionals to monitor these conditions and recommend appropriate treatments if they do not resolve on their own.

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What is the Difference Between Cephalohematoma and Caput Succedaneum?

Comparative Table: Cephalohematoma vs Caput Succedaneum

Here is a table comparing the differences between cephalohematoma and caput succedaneum:

Feature	Cephalohematoma	Caput Succedaneum
Definition	A buildup of blood (hemorrhage) underneath a newborn's scalp	Swelling (edema) on the top of the scalp, usually noticeable at birth
Cause	Damage to blood vessels during the birth process	Pressure on the head as the baby moves through the birth canal
Appearance	Soft, irregular bump on the back of a baby's head	Swelling, puffiness under the skin of the scalp, and a slightly pointed head
Discoloration	May notice discoloration or mild bruising, or more severe discoloration in some cases	Baby's head may have a cone-shaped appearance
Complications	Jaundice, infection	Jaundice, temporary hair loss, anemia (low blood cell count)
Treatment	Many times the swelling associated with either condition will subside within a few days. If cephalohematoma or caput succedaneum do not resolve on their own, a physician may recommend further treatments to prevent complications depending on the severity of the condition.	Typically harmless, the swelling should go away without treatment in a few hours or days

Both conditions are birth injuries to a baby's head and can lead to complications such as jaundice and infections if not properly handled.

Guilherme Mazui

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.