Also known as hematoma, goose egg refers to a soft swelling on the forehead resulting from a damage done to the blood vessels. This usually happens after an injury to the head. Most of these bumps or goose eggs are harmless and usually go away within a few days. These bumps are more common in infants, but anyone with an injury to head can develop a goose egg on forehead.

Possible Causes of Goose Egg on Forehead

Here are some of the most common causes of developing soft bumps on your forehead.

1. Injury

A trauma or injury to the head is the most common cause of developing a swollen lump on your forehead. The injury occurs from a bone-to-head collision and can be due to an accidental head butt. You will notice a knot develop within a few minutes.

2. Dermoid Cysts

You may have a goose egg on foreheadeven when you haven't had any traumatic episode. The bump on your forehead could be a benign cystic tumor. Dermoid cyst is found usually on the skin that contains hair and other tissue. You can ask your doctor to remove it without any complications.

3. Sebaceous Cysts

These cysts form in the outermost layer of your skin and are generally painless. These non-cancerous cysts cause a bump that will be firm but mobile. You won't experience any pain unless the bump becomes infected or inflamed.

4. Neurofibromatosis

This is a rare condition and the most common of its types is neurofibromatosis type 1 which is characterized by subcutaneous and cutaneous tumors. You will also notice several patches of hyper-pigmentation.

Home Remedies for Goose Egg on Forehead

Although you may not experience much pain due to a goose egg on forehead, it doesn't look aesthetically pleasing. Usually you don't need a special treatment, but you can try certain home remedies to trigger recovery.

1. Apply Ice Packs Immediately

After a traumatic experience or an injury to your head, you should apply an icepack directly on the area of impact. This will help in vasoconstriction of your blood vessels and limit swelling and inflammation. Apply an icepack for 20 minutes, take a 5-minute break and use another icepack. Apply icepacks for at least 24 hours after your injury.

2. Apply Hot Fomentation After 24 Hours

After 24 hours of icepack application, you should apply hot fomentation on your forehead. Don't apply it for more than 15 minutes at a stretch. This improves blood circulation and accelerates healing.

3. Homeopathic Drugs

Arnica montana is an effective homeopathic drug used for the treatment of goose egg on forehead. It promotes the re-absorption of the exudates and alleviate pain and swelling. Ruta officinalis is another good choice because it reduces the pain you experience due to bruising.

When to Worry About a Goose Egg on Forehead

You don't usually have to worry about a goose egg on forehead because the issue usually resolves on its own. It is important though to pay attention to certain warning signals. You should see your doctor if:

• You have a serious wound, feel unconscious for a few minutes, or notice bleeding or clear fluid coming out of your mouth, ear or nose.
• Pupils becoming unequal in size, blurred speech, stiff neck, impaired vision, seizure, persistent drowsiness and a severe headache.
• You are unable to remember what happened before or after the injury or you have trouble with balance or coordination.

How to Avoid Goose Egg on Forehead in Children

Even if you try your best, it is just not possible to keep your kids under your watch all the time. Still, it makes sense to take some safety measures to avoid goose eggs and other head injuries, for instance:

• Take steps to make your home childproof. Remove any furniture or objects that constrict their movements.
• Ask your children to wear headgear when they go skating or biking.
• Make your children wear the car's seatbelt for safety

If your kid has already developed a goose egg on forehead, don't send him to school for a few days and make sure they avoid daily strenuous activities until they get a clean chit from the doctor.