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Caput succedaneum

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Caput

Treatment:

No treatment is necessary, and it usually heals spontaneously within a few days.

Expectations (prognosis):

Complete recovery can be expected, with the scalp regaining its normal contour.

Complications:

Jaundice can result as the bruise breaks down into bilirubin .

Calling your health care provider:

This condition is usually noticed immediately after delivery of the child, so no call is necessary -- unless you have additional questions.

References:

Stoll, BJ, Kliegman, RM. Nervous System Disorders. In: Behrman, RE., Kliegman, RM, Jenson, HB, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics . 17th ed., Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 2004:562

• Review Date: 5/1/2007
• Reviewed By: Rachel A. Lewis, MD, FAAP, Columbia University Pediatric Faculty Practice, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by Alan Greene, M.D., F.A.A.P., Department of Pediatrics, Stanford School of Medicine; Lucile Packard Children's Hospital; Chief Medical Officer, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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