A scalp hematoma is a collection of blood under the scalp skin after a bump, blow, or hair-pulling injury. It looks worse than it feels, but knowing the signs keeps you calm.
The first thing you notice is a soft, squishy lump that appears within minutes. It may be cherry-sized or cover half the head, yet the skin can slide over it like a water balloon.
Pain is usually mild and throbbing. Over-the-counter painkillers calm it, and resting the head on a pillow feels better than sitting upright.
Skin color changes follow the clock: red-purple at first, then blue, green, and finally yellow before fading. The whole rainbow can take two weeks.
Swelling can press on nearby hairs, making them stand up or feel tender when brushed. Hair loss is rare; the roots stay alive.
If the hematoma is large, you may feel a tight band around the head or hear a faint “sloshing” sound when moving suddenly.
Fever is uncommon. If the spot gets hotter, redder, or leaks pus, infection has crept in and needs care.
| Sign | What You See or Feel |
|---|---|
| Lump | Soft, squishy, slides under skin |
| Pain | Mild throb, better with rest |
| Color | Red to purple to yellow over days |
| Hair | Local stand-up or brush ache |
| Sound | Rare slosh on quick move |
| Warning | Heat, red streak, pus = infection |