Scalp Contusion in Adults

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

• Care notes
• Aftercare
• Ambulatory
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What is a scalp contusion?

A scalp contusion is a bruise that appears on your skin after an injury. A bruise happens when small blood vessels tear but skin does not. Blood leaks into nearby tissue, such as soft tissue or muscle.

What increases my risk for a scalp contusion?

• A disorder that makes you bleed more easily
• Kidney or liver disease, or an infection
• Medicines such as blood thinners or certain over-the-counter medicines and herbal medicines
• Weakened skin and muscles from older age or nutrition problems

What are the signs and symptoms of a scalp contusion?

• An area that may be black, blue, red, or darker than the skin around it
• Pain, tenderness, swelling, or a lump at the site of the bruise or near it

How is a scalp contusion diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider may ask about any injuries, infections, or bleeding problems you have had. Your provider will check the skin over the injured area. You may also need any of the following:

• Blood tests may be used to check for blood disorders or to see how long it takes for your blood to clot.
• Ultrasound pictures may show how deep the bruise is and if you have any other injury in the area.
• MRI pictures may show if a hematoma (pooling of blood) has started to form. You may be given contrast liquid to help the pictures show up better. Tell the healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid. Do not enter the MRI room with anything metal. The MRI machine uses a powerful magnet. Metal can cause serious injury from the magnet. Tell the healthcare provider if you have any metal in or on your body.

How is a scalp contusion treated?

A scalp contusion may heal without any treatment. The bruise may become lighter or change to green or yellow as it heals. You may need any of the following if the contusion is severe or does not heal easily:

• Medicine may be needed to treat or prevent pain or swelling.
• Aspiration is a procedure to drain pooled blood to prevent pressure from building up.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• tranexamic acid
• Cyklokapron
• Zoladex
• Hyskon
• Dextran 70 6% in 5% Dextrose

View more treatment options

What can I do to manage a scalp contusion?

• Have someone stay with you for 24 to 48 hours after the injury. Give the person a list of signs to watch for, such as a seizure or trouble moving. You will need immediate care if you develop any of the signs.
• Apply ice to decrease swelling and pain. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover the bag with a towel and place it on your bruise. Apply ice for 15 to 20 minutes every hour, or as directed.
• Do not massage the area or put heating pads on the bruise right after your injury. Heat and massage may slow healing. Your healthcare provider may tell you to apply heat after several days. At that time, heat will start to help the injury heal.

How can I prevent a scalp contusion?

• Use safety belts in the car.
• Wear a helmet when you ride a bicycle or motorcycle.
• Use a mouth and face guard during sports.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) or have someone call if:

• You have a seizure.
• You cannot be woken.

When should I seek immediate care?

• You are not able to move part of your body.
• Your pupils are different sizes.
• You have blood or clear fluid coming out of your nose, ears, or mouth.
• You have a headache or neck pain that is getting worse.
• You are drowsy and confused.
• You have trouble staying balanced or walking.
• You have vision problems or changes.
• You have episodes of vomiting for 24 hours.

When should I call my doctor?

• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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Further information

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