ABSTRACT
Caput succedaneum is oedema of the scalp secondary to pressure on the head during the delivery process. The oedema can extend across the midline and crosses suture lines. Chignon is superficial swelling/bleeding on an infant's scalp related to the application of a ventouse suction device. The area of swelling is circular in the shape of the suction cap and can cross both the midline and the suture lines. Bleeding occurs into the space between the aponeurosis of the scalp and the periosteum. As this space is large, the infant can lose most of its blood volume into the space, presenting with signs of hypovolaemic shock. The scalp swelling is soft and fluctuant. The parents should be reassured that most scalp swelling should settle over the next few days to weeks. Caput succedaneum generally resolves before a chignon, which tends to resolve more quickly than a cephalhaematoma.
