Question
What are the causes of neonatal caput succedaneum?
Answer
Neonatal caput succedaneum is caused by subperiosteal hemorrhage and bleeding due to the rupture of blood vessels during the birthing process, with blood accumulating under the periosteum. This condition is typically discovered within a few hours to several days after birth. In most cases, caput succedaneum does not require special treatment and will absorb on its own. However, it may lead to hyperbilirubinemia, in which case phototherapy is needed. If the hematoma rapidly increases and secondary infection occurs, incision and drainage may be necessary.