What to do if scalp hematoma occurs

The scalp is a relatively important tissue in our human body. It plays a role in protecting subcutaneous tissues, such as cerebral blood vessels. If there is a problem with the cerebral blood vessels, it will cause particularly serious consequences and may even cause brain death. Scalp hematoma is a bulging blood clot on the scalp. In this case, you need to go to the hospital for a check-up in time to prevent accidents and receive symptomatic treatment. So what should you do if you have a scalp hematoma?

Scalp hematoma is mostly caused by blunt trauma to the scalp. According to the specific layer of the scalp where the hematoma appears, it can be divided into three types: subcutaneous hematoma, subgaleal hematoma and subperiosteal hematoma. Generally, smaller scalp hematomas do not require special treatment and can be absorbed on their own after 1 to 2 weeks. Larger hematomas often require puncture and extraction while applying local compression and bandage. If puncture treatment is ineffective, the hematoma does not disappear or continues to increase, an incision can be performed to remove the hematoma and stop the bleeding. For subperiosteal hematoma combined with skull fracture, attention should be paid to the possibility of concurrent intracranial hematoma. All infected hematomas require incision and drainage.

Treatment: Smaller scalp hematomas can be absorbed on their own in 1 to 2 weeks, while large hematomas may take 4 to 6 weeks to be absorbed. Unless the scalp hematoma is large, it can usually be absorbed on its own. Appropriate local pressure bandage can help prevent the expansion of hematoma. To avoid infection, puncture aspiration is generally not used. When treating a scalp hematoma, it is important to consider the possibility of skull injury or even brain injury. The treatment of scalp hematoma includes the following:

(1) When a scalp hematoma occurs, do not apply medicinal wine to the hematoma area or massage it, as this will make the bleeding more severe. You can apply pressure with a gauze bandage or apply ice cubes, ice water, or a hot water bottle filled with cold water to the area to promote blood vessel contraction and stop further bleeding.

(2) After 24 hours, you can apply medicinal wine, safflower oil, and use hot compresses to promote the absorption of the hematoma. Smaller hematomas can usually be absorbed and healed after a few days.

(3) If a larger hematoma is not easily absorbed, you can shave off the hair, disinfect the area, and then use a needle to repeatedly puncture and draw out the blood. However, you are prohibited from puncturing and bleeding with a needle at will.

(4) For huge hematomas, if the above treatment methods are ineffective, the patient should be sent to the hospital for surgery to stop the bleeding. If the hematoma becomes infected and festers, surgery should be performed to incise and apply medication for treatment.

(5) If a scalp hematoma occurs, one should also be alert to the possibility of intracranial hematoma, concussion, or cerebral contusion. Allow the patient to rest quietly and observe changes in the condition closely for 24 hours. If obvious headache, nausea, vomiting, irritability or gradual loss of consciousness, unequal pupils, ear or nose bleeding, etc. are found, consult a doctor or send to the hospital for further diagnosis and treatment.