What is a Bump?
The bumps are accumulations of more or less conspicuous liquids (protuberances), which form at the level of the skull after hitting the head. They are therefore localized edemas of variable volume, caused by the "increase in interstitial fluids present in the tissues; this increase is linked to the substances released following the trauma, which trigger an acute inflammatory process with an increase in capillary permeability. Consequently, by" pores "of these tiny blood vessels a certain amount of protein escapes, which draws liquids into the interstitial tissue causing that swelling that we commonly call a bump.
If the lesion is important, and such as to produce a lesion of the capillaries, we no longer speak of edema but of hematoma (characterized by bruises and swelling).
The formation of bumps is favored by the great development of the microcirculation that characterizes the forehead and the scalp.
What to do
It should be noted first of all that the size of the bump and its "growth time" do not necessarily reflect the severity of the trauma.
Even a slight blow to the head can cause a rather conspicuous bump to grow; therefore, if you are concerned about your baby's health, contact your doctor regardless of the size of the bump.
Symptoms of alert include: persistent or worsening headache over time, nausea and vomiting, loss of consciousness, uninterrupted crying for long periods, confusion and loss of balance or memory.
When a conspicuous bump appears, it is good to apply the classic ice pack or equivalent (even a bag of frozen foods if you really don't have anything else), exerting a slight pressure.
The ice must be kept in place for about twenty minutes, then removed for five and left again on the bump for a quarter of an hour or so. If the child squirms, kicks and does not stay still, you can try to give him a treat. to taste.
If the bump is associated with a cut with more or less extensive blood loss or the injured party has little hair, the ice pack should be wrapped with a cloth before being applied.
