Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
Spanish version

If your baby's delivery was difficult, a forceps may have been used to help him through the birth canal. The pressure of the forceps on the skin can leave bruises or scrapes or can even damage fat tissue anywhere on the head or face.

Pressure from the birth canal can damage the skin overlying bony prominences (such as the sides of the skull) even without a forceps delivery. Fetal monitors can also cause scrapes and scabs on the scalp.

You will notice the bruises and scrapes 1 or 2 days after birth. They will disappear in 1 to 2 weeks.

Injury to fat tissue injury won't be apparent until the fifth or sixth day after birth. A thickened lump of skin with an overlying scab is what you usually see. This may take 3 or 4 weeks to heal. If it becomes tender to the touch or soft in the center or shows other signs of infection, call your child's physician.