Abstract

MORENO GALARRAGA, Laura  and  FERNANDEZ MONTERO, Alejandro. Healthy infant, with a feather on the scalp. When two competing theories make exactly the same predictions, the simpler one is the better. Rev Pediatr Aten Primaria [online]. 2016, vol.18, n.71, pp.263-265. ISSN 1139-7632.

We present images of a healthy infant who was brought to our emergency department, by his parents, who consulted concerned because "a feather has grown in their baby´s head".

Physical examination was all normal, except from a small feather of approximately 3-4 mm, located on the right occipital- temporal region. No local inflammation, edema or erythema was appreciated in the area.

After cleaning the area, the feather was removed entirely using tweezers. Evolution was good and the small wound healed without complications.

It is possible that small feathers emanating from stuffed duvets or pillows, may penetrate the baby skin or may be aspirated. Feathers may have sharp edges that easily penetrate the skin and can also cause different infections.

This simple case highlights the importance of advising parents about the suitable materials for bedding, as down-bedding can be hazardous for infants due to the possibility of feather leaking.

Keywords : Home accidents; Foreign body; Soft tissue injuries; feather.

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