Scalp Contusion in Children

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

• Care notes
• Aftercare
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A scalp contusion is a bruise that appears on your child's 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.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

• Your child has a seizure.
• Your child is hard to wake or cannot be woken.
• Your child is having trouble speaking, keeping his or her balance, or walking.

Return to the emergency department if:

• Your child's breathing is too slow, too fast, or different than usual.
• Your child has blood or clear fluid coming out of his or her nose, ears, or mouth.
• Your child has vomited 2 to 3 times within 24 hours.
• Your child's pupils are not the same size.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

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

Call your child's doctor if:

• Your child has a headache or neck pain.
• Your child is irritable, will not stop crying, or cannot be consoled.
• You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.

Manage your child's scalp contusion:

• Stay with your child for 24 to 48 hours after the injury. Watch for signs of serious injury, such as a seizure or trouble moving. Your child will need immediate care if he or she develops 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 child's 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 the injury. Heat and massage may slow healing. Your child's healthcare provider may tell you to apply heat after several days. At that time, heat will start to help the injury heal.

Help your child prevent a scalp contusion:

• Use safety belts and child restraints in the car.
• Have your child use a helmet when he or she rides a bicycle.
• Have your child use a mouth and face guard during sports.

Follow up with your child's doctor as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your child's visits.

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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.

Further information

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