Persistent Bump on Child's Forehead: Seeking Solutions After 1.5 Years - Orthopedics

Share to:

The child's head has been swollen for a year and a half without resolution?


Hello Doctor, my daughter is now two and a half years old.
A year and a half ago, she fell from the bed and hit her forehead against a cabinet, resulting in a scar and a large bump.
At that time, she was crying continuously, so we only applied ice for about five minutes.
A year and a half later, the bump on her forehead is still present, hard, and large.
I am unsure if it is fibrosis.
I took her to see a pediatric surgeon, but the doctor only said it would gradually improve over time and did not prescribe any medication.
I have been applying warm compresses and massaging it every night, but it seems ineffective.
What should I do to help reduce the swelling for my daughter? An anxious father.

Kenny Li, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/05/07

Dr. Li Wenhong reply Orthopedics


Hello: If it has been a year and a half without neurological symptoms (such as seizures, convulsions, changes in consciousness, or absence seizures), you may observe the condition without further heat application or massage.
If the mass continues to grow, it is recommended to return to the neurosurgery outpatient clinic for further evaluation and treatment.
Wishing you good health! Orthopedics, Changhua Hospital, Dr.
Li Wen-Hong.

Reply Date: 2015/05/07

More Info


It sounds like you are understandably concerned about your daughter's persistent bump on her forehead, especially since it has been present for a year and a half following her injury. Based on your description, it seems that the bump may be a result of a hematoma or a localized area of fibrosis that developed after the initial trauma.
When a child experiences a head injury, the body responds by forming a hematoma, which is a collection of blood outside of blood vessels. Over time, as the body heals, this hematoma can become fibrous tissue, leading to a hard bump. In many cases, these bumps can resolve on their own, but the timeline for resolution can vary significantly from child to child.

Here are some points to consider regarding your daughter's condition:
1. Observation: If the bump is not causing any pain, discomfort, or other symptoms (like headaches, vision changes, or behavioral changes), it may simply require more time to resolve. The body can take a long time to reabsorb the fibrous tissue, especially in young children.

2. Heat and Massage: You mentioned that you have been applying heat and massaging the area. While gentle massage can sometimes help improve circulation and promote healing, it's essential to be cautious not to apply too much pressure, as this could cause discomfort or further irritation.

3. Consultation with Specialists: If you have not done so already, consider seeking a second opinion from a pediatric neurologist or a pediatric dermatologist. They may have additional insights or treatment options that could be beneficial. Sometimes, imaging studies like an ultrasound or MRI can help determine the nature of the bump and whether any intervention is necessary.

4. Surgical Options: In some cases, if the bump is bothersome or if it does not improve over time, surgical options may be considered to remove the fibrous tissue. This is typically a last resort and would be discussed thoroughly with a specialist.

5. Monitoring: Keep an eye on the bump for any changes in size, color, or texture. If it begins to grow or if your daughter experiences any new symptoms, it would be important to seek medical attention promptly.

6. Reassurance: It's important to reassure your daughter, as children can pick up on parental anxiety. Engaging her in activities that distract her from the bump can also be helpful.

In summary, while it can be concerning to see a persistent bump on your child's forehead, many such cases resolve over time without intervention. However, continued monitoring and consultation with healthcare professionals are essential to ensure that there are no underlying issues. If you have any further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance.

Similar Q&A

Understanding and Treating Childhood Skin Bumps: A Parent's Guide

My 5-year-old son has had small bumps on his face and the outer sides of his limbs that resemble acne since he was 4 to 5 months old. They can be squeezed out and look similar to pimples, but they are soft and white. He does not seem to feel itchy. We have consulted several derma...


Dr. Liao Wenyu reply Dermatology
Based on your description, it is suspected to be follicular keratosis, which can be managed with certain medications (though it cannot be completely cured) and requires long-term treatment.

[Read More] Understanding and Treating Childhood Skin Bumps: A Parent's Guide


Persistent Scalp Bump: Causes, Treatments, and Next Steps

Hello Doctor: I have a bump on the front of my head that initially looked like an acne pimple but has since grown larger. I underwent cryotherapy at a dermatology clinic, but it has recurred repeatedly. It is neither painful nor itchy, but occasionally it bleeds and oozes pus, an...


Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology
It has been five years, so I recommend being more proactive with treatment. But what exactly should be done? How to treat it? We need to examine it first; perhaps consider doing a biopsy.

[Read More] Persistent Scalp Bump: Causes, Treatments, and Next Steps


Understanding Sudden Red Bumps on Your Baby's Face: Causes and Solutions

Hello Dr. Wu, my son is currently one year and five months old. About a week ago, he suddenly developed quite large red pimples on both sides of his cheeks near the temples. A day or two later, I noticed a few small pimples appearing on his forehead near the hairline, which feel ...


Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology
No lesions were observed, and it is not possible to determine the issue. If you are very concerned, please seek medical attention promptly.

[Read More] Understanding Sudden Red Bumps on Your Baby's Face: Causes and Solutions


Managing Head Bumps in Toddlers: Safety Tips and Concerns

My 3-year-old son frequently bumps his head, and I would like to know how to manage the situation immediately to alleviate his pain. Each time he bumps his head, a bump appears! Additionally, since he has had so many incidents, could this potentially affect his brain development?...


Dr. Zhang Guozhen reply Pediatrics
To: Ms. Lin A 3-year-old child is at an age where they run, jump, and sometimes fall. This requires a lot of care and supervision from parents. Generally, a bump on the head from a fall will resolve on its own within a few days without the need for further intervention. However,...

[Read More] Managing Head Bumps in Toddlers: Safety Tips and Concerns


Related FAQ

Pediatric Ganglion Cyst

(Orthopedics)

Rash

(Pediatrics)

Headache

(Dermatology)

Shaken Baby Syndrome

(Pediatrics)

Ear

(Pediatrics)

Hemangioma

(Pediatrics)

Infantile Eczema

(Dermatology)

Nosebleed

(Pediatrics)

Skull

(Orthopedics)

Face

(Otolaryngology)