What is the Difference Between Cephalohematoma and Caput Succedaneum?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚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.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Cephalohematoma and Caput Succedaneum? Comparative Table: Cephalohematoma vs 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.
Read more:
- Subgaleal Hematoma vs Cephalohematoma
- Seroma vs Hematoma
- Hemorrhage vs Hematoma
- Hematoma vs Hemangioma
- Contusion vs Hematoma
- Subdural vs Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
- Hemangioma vs Meningioma
- Cavernous vs Capillary Hemangioma
- Intracerebral Hemorrhage vs Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
- Lipoma vs Hematoma
- Cerebral Edema vs Hydrocephalus
- Hydrocephalus vs Pseudotumor Cerebri
- Hematoma vs Morel Lavallée Lesion
- Seroma vs Hernia
- Meningocele vs Meningomyelocele
- Hemorrhagic Stroke vs Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
- Cephalothorax vs Abdomen
- Brain Hemorrhage vs Stroke
- Hemothorax vs Pneumothorax