dictionary

bumps

What is a Bernoccolo?

The bumps are accumulations of more or less showy liquids (protuberances), which form at the level of the skull after beating the head. They are therefore localized edemas of variable volume, caused by the increase in interstitial fluids present in the tissues; this increase is linked to the substances released following the trauma, which trigger an acute inflammatory process with an increase in capillary permeability. Consequently, a certain amount of protein emerges from the "pores" of these tiny blood vessels, which draws liquids into the interstitial tissue causing the swelling we commonly call bump.

If the lesion is important, and such as to produce a lesion of the capillaries, we no longer speak of edema but of hematoma (characterized by bruising and swelling).

The formation of bumps is favored by the great development of the microcirculation that characterizes the forehead and the scalp.

What to do

First of all it is important to remember that the size of the bump and its "growth time" do not necessarily reflect the severity of the trauma.

Even a slight blow to the head can make a rather conspicuous bump grow; therefore, if you are worried about your child's health, you should contact your doctor regardless of the size of the bump.

Warning symptoms include: persistent or aggravating headache, nausea and vomiting, unconsciousness, uninterrupted crying over long periods, confusion and loss of balance or memory.

When a showy bump appears, it is a good idea to apply the classic ice bag or equivalent (even a bag of frozen food if you have nothing else), exerting slight pressure.

The ice should be kept in place for about twenty minutes, then removed for five and left again on the bump for a quarter of an hour or so. If the child squirms, kicks and does not remain still, you can try to give him a treat to taste.

If the bump is associated with a cut with more or less extensive blood loss or the injured person has little hair, the ice bag must be wrapped with a cloth before being applied.