The Turkish Journal of Pediatrics
2012 , Vol 54 , Num 5
Scalp Edema: Don’t Forget Sunburn in Children
Department of Pediatrics, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey. E-mail: ozlemt@hacettepe.edu.tr
Scalp edema is an uncommon and striking finding in children that may alarm
both parents and physicians. The objectives of this case report were to raise
awareness among pediatric emergency physicians of the unusual presentation
of sunburn as scalp edema. We present the case of an eight-year-old boy with
sunburn of the head, presenting with scalp and face edema. Pitting edema
and erythema were dominant on the forehead. Shaving of the boy’s head
the day before the symptoms was the most striking issue, and the sunburn
healed gradually without any complications. Healthcare professionals should
be aware of this condition, and the diagnosis of sunburn must be kept in
mind in otherwise healthy-looking patients with a unique history.
Keywords :
scalp, edema, sunburn, children, emergency.