A goose egg bump is common swelling and bruising that appears on the head following an injury. This lump, medically known as a hematoma, forms when small blood vessels beneath the skin are damaged. While alarming, especially in children, it often signifies a minor injury.
What Causes a Goose Egg Bump
A goose egg bump results from blunt force trauma to the head, such as a fall, a collision during sports, or an accidental knock. The scalp and forehead are rich in tiny blood vessels, susceptible to rupture upon impact. When these vessels break, blood leaks out and pools in the surrounding soft tissues, unable to disperse widely due to the underlying skull.
This accumulation of blood beneath the unbroken skin creates the characteristic raised, egg-shaped protrusion. The pooled blood pushes outwards, forming the lump. In young children, goose egg bumps can appear prominent because their heads have less space for the blood to spread out. Over time, the trapped blood may cause the bump to change color, turning black and blue as the body begins to reabsorb the fluid.
Caring for a Goose Egg Bump at Home
Managing a goose egg bump at home involves the R.I.C.E. method: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Immediately after the injury, resting the affected individual is important for healing and to prevent further trauma. Avoid strenuous activity or anything that might jar the head for the first 24 to 48 hours.
Applying ice to the bump helps to reduce swelling and alleviate pain by constricting blood vessels and numbing the area. Wrap an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables in a towel to prevent direct contact with the skin, and apply it for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Remove the ice for at least 30 minutes before reapplying, continuing this cycle several times a day for the first 24 to 48 hours. Elevating the head, even slightly, can help reduce swelling by allowing gravity to assist in fluid drainage from the injured area.
While compression is a general R.I.C.E. component, direct compression on a head injury is not recommended unless specifically advised by a medical professional. For pain relief, acetaminophen can be used, but non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or aspirin should be avoided unless a doctor specifically prescribes them.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While most goose egg bumps are not serious, signs and symptoms warrant immediate medical evaluation. Seek professional help if the injured person loses consciousness, even briefly, or experiences confusion or disorientation. A headache that worsens over time, repeated nausea or vomiting, or any changes in vision, such as blurred vision or pupils of unequal size, require medical attention. Additionally, children under two years old, or older adults, especially those on blood thinners, should be evaluated by a healthcare provider for any head injury, even if it appears minor.
Other signs that signal a need for urgent medical care include:
- Unusual drowsiness or difficulty waking up.
- Slurred speech.
- Significant changes in behavior, such as increased irritability or difficulty recognizing people or places.
- Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs.
- Problems with balance or walking.
- Any fluid or blood draining from the ears or nose.