How long does goose egg on head last? A comprehensive guide

September 26, 2025 •

4 min read

While often alarming due to the prominent swelling, most minor goose eggs on the head are harmless and typically resolve on their own with proper care. Understanding how long does a goose egg on head last is key to determining if a bump requires medical attention and whether at-home care is sufficient.

Quick Summary

A goose egg, or scalp hematoma, typically shows significant swelling reduction within a few days, with the bump completely resolving in one to two weeks, depending on its size and severity. Effective home care involves cold compresses and pain management, while vigilance for worsening symptoms is crucial to rule out more serious issues.

Key Points

Duration: Most minor goose eggs on the head will resolve within one to two weeks, with significant swelling reduction occurring within the first few days.
First Aid: Immediately apply a cold compress for 15-20 minutes at a time during the first 48 hours to minimize swelling.
Pain Relief: Use acetaminophen for pain relief. Avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen or aspirin unless instructed by a medical provider.
Red Flags: Seek immediate medical attention if there is confusion, persistent vomiting, severe or worsening headaches, vision changes, or loss of consciousness.
Vulnerable Groups: Exercise extra caution and seek medical advice for head bumps in children and older adults, as they are more vulnerable to complications.
Concussion Watch: Symptoms of a concussion can appear hours or days after the injury. Monitor for changes in mood, behavior, or cognitive function.

What Exactly is a Goose Egg?

A 'goose egg' is the common term for a scalp hematoma, which is a bruise on the forehead or scalp. This rapid swelling occurs because the area beneath the scalp contains a dense network of small blood vessels. When these vessels are damaged from a knock or bump, they bleed into the surrounding soft tissues. Since the blood is trapped between the skin and the skull, it has nowhere to spread out, causing it to pool and push outwards, forming the characteristic egg-shaped protrusion. While the resulting bump can look quite dramatic, it's important to remember that the appearance often looks worse than the reality of the injury.

The Typical Healing Timeline

The healing process for a goose egg can vary based on its size and location, but generally follows a predictable timeline.

Initial Swelling (0-48 hours): Immediately after the injury, the bump will appear and rapidly swell. Applying a cold compress during this period is most effective for minimizing swelling and pain.
Bruising and Gradual Reduction (Days 2-7): After the initial peak, the swelling will slowly begin to decrease. The area may also develop a bruise, which can change color from red to blue, purple, green, and yellow as the pooled blood is reabsorbed by the body.
Full Resolution (1-2 weeks): For most minor goose eggs, the bump and any associated bruising will be completely gone within one to two weeks. A larger or more severe bump may take slightly longer.

Home Treatment for Minor Head Bumps

For mild, uncomplicated head bumps, at-home treatment can help manage symptoms and aid recovery. Always remember that this applies to minor injuries and close monitoring is essential.

How to Apply Cold Compresses

Applying cold therapy is the most critical first step for a minor head bump.

Use an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a thin towel to protect the skin from direct contact with the cold.
Apply the compress to the bump for 15-20 minutes at a time.
Take a break of at least 30 minutes between applications to allow the skin to return to a normal temperature.
Repeat this process several times a day for the first 24-48 hours.

Managing Pain

Over-the-counter medication can help with discomfort, but a specific type is recommended.

Acetaminophen can be used to help with headache pain.
Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or aspirin, as they can sometimes increase bleeding. Only take these under the guidance of a medical professional.

Comparison: Minor Head Bumps vs. Urgent Symptoms

It can be difficult to distinguish a simple goose egg from a more serious head injury. This table outlines key signs to watch for.


Feature	Minor Head Bump (Goose Egg)	Urgent Symptoms Requiring Medical Attention
Appearance	Localized swelling, bruise may develop.	Excessive bleeding from a cut, swelling that worsens over time, or swelling behind the ears.
Consciousness	Alert and responsive after the bump.	Loss of consciousness, even for a brief moment.
Headache	Mild, temporary headache that is easily managed.	Persistent or worsening headache.
Cognitive	No noticeable changes in thinking.	Confusion, disorientation, or memory loss.
Vision	No changes.	Blurred vision, double vision, or pupils of unequal size.
Balance	Normal balance and coordination.	Dizziness, unsteadiness, or difficulty walking.
Behavior	Normal behavior, especially in children.	Unusual drowsiness, irritability, or changes in mood.
Vomiting/Nausea	None.	Repeated nausea or vomiting.
Drainage	None.	Fluid or blood draining from the ears or nose.

Important Considerations for Different Age Groups

Children Children's heads have less tissue padding, so goose eggs can seem larger and more dramatic. Parents should be particularly vigilant for behavioral changes. Always monitor a baby's soft spot (fontanelle); a bulging one, especially when not crying, requires immediate medical attention. If a child becomes excessively sleepy, irritable, or vomits repeatedly, seek emergency care.

Older Adults (65+) Aging can cause the blood vessels between the brain and skull to become more fragile. For this reason, a seemingly minor bump can potentially lead to a more serious brain bleed in an older person. Older adults should seek medical care for any head knock, even if it appears minor. This is especially crucial for those on blood-thinning medications.

Prevention is Key

While accidents happen, you can take steps to minimize the risk of serious head injuries:

Wear a helmet during sports like cycling, skating, and baseball.
Childproof your home, especially for toddlers who are new to walking.
Use caution when walking on slippery surfaces.
Remove tripping hazards from walkways and staircases.
Secure area rugs to prevent slipping.
Use a booster seat or high chair properly to prevent falls.

The Difference Between a Goose Egg and a Concussion

It is important to differentiate between an external injury (a goose egg) and an internal one (a concussion). A goose egg is a localized scalp injury, whereas a concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) that temporarily affects brain function. A person can have a goose egg without a concussion, or a concussion without any visible external signs. A concussion requires medical evaluation, rest, and a period of recovery. Symptoms of a concussion can also be delayed, sometimes appearing days or weeks after the injury. For comprehensive information on head injuries, visit Children's Hospital Colorado's Guide.

Conclusion: The Final Takeaway on Head Bumps

In most cases, a goose egg on the head is a minor injury that resolves with a week or two of home care. The key is to respond quickly by applying a cold compress and carefully monitoring for any worrying symptoms. Be particularly cautious with children and older adults, as they are more vulnerable to complications. If you or someone you're caring for experiences confusion, persistent vomiting, or any other signs of a serious head injury, do not hesitate to seek immediate medical attention. Your awareness and quick action are the most important tools for a safe recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

A child's goose egg typically follows the same timeline as an adult's, with swelling subsiding in a few days and the bump disappearing completely within one to two weeks. However, it's crucial to watch for behavioral changes, excessive drowsiness, or repeated vomiting, which may signal a more serious injury.

The scalp is rich with small blood vessels, and when they are broken by an impact, the blood pools in the space between the skin and the skull. This pooling is confined to a small area, which causes the rapid, dramatic swelling characteristic of a goose egg.

For a minor bump with no other symptoms, it is generally safe to sleep. However, it is wise to have someone wake you periodically to check for any signs of confusion or other neurological issues. This is especially important for the first 24 hours.

No, you should not use heat on a fresh head bump. Heat can increase blood flow to the area and worsen the swelling. Stick to cold compresses for the first 24-48 hours. After the swelling has peaked, some doctors may recommend gentle warmth, but consult a professional first.

You should seek medical attention if you experience symptoms like loss of consciousness, persistent or worsening headache, repeated vomiting, slurred speech, confusion, vision changes, or if the bump grows larger over time.

A goose egg is an external injury (a bruise on the scalp), while a concussion is an internal injury (a mild traumatic brain injury). You can have a goose egg without a concussion, and vice versa. Always monitor for concussion symptoms after any head injury.

In the vast majority of cases, a goose egg will not leave a permanent mark or bump. The pooled blood and swelling are fully reabsorbed by the body, and the area returns to its normal state within one to two weeks.