Halo Scalp Ring: A Form of Localized Scalp Injury Associated with Caput Succedanum

Abstract

Caput succedaneum is a common birth injury attributed to cervical, uterine, or vaginal pressure on the fetal presenting part. It usually consists of diffuse soft tissue swelling and bruising, which resolve in a few days without sequelae. We have seen two patients who had an unusual alopecic "halo" ring on the scalp associated with a caput succedaneum.

Erosive Pustular Dermatosis of the Scalp after Perinatal Scalp Injury

“…In this series, we present a group of patients with a history of difficult or prolonged labor and delivery, which resulted in scalp injury with soft tissue swelling and tissue necrosis. These patients developed alopecia resembling the pattern previously described as halo scalp ring injury; however, in three of them, the necrosis involved the vertex and was more extensive (2)(3)(4). In all, the areas of involvement had persistent inflammation and patients 1 to 3 developed pustules and scale-crust that most resembled the condition known as EPDS.…”

Alopecia Areata in Infants and Newborns

“…Friction or pressure over the bony occipital prominence may contribute to this circumscribed occipital hair loss. Alternatively, perinatal trauma associated with caput succedaneum can cause a pressure-induced alopecia, which often presents as a ''halo ring'' of hair loss along the occipital ridge (12). Other causes of circumscribed hair loss to be considered include congenital nevi, congenital triangular alopecia, aplasia cutis congenita, underlying meningocele or cystic lesion, and hair loss associated with complex developmental disorders (1,11,13).…”

Band‐like pattern alopecia in a two‐month‐old newborn

“…Observation is the most suitable initial procedure. Tissue expansion and surgical excision should be considered in the treatment of any residual areas of scarring alopecia [ 7,8 ] .…”