Escherichia coli infected scalp abscess with osteomyelitis following a cephalhaematoma in a neonate

We discuss an illustrative case of Escherichia coli infected scalp abscess with osteomyelitis following a cephalhaematoma in a 19-day-old neonate. Cephalhaematoma is a common occurrence in neonates after prolonged labour, instrument-assisted, and traumatic deliveries and resolves spontaneously in the majority of cases. Infection may follow haematogenous dissemination or direct inoculation via a skin breach. Complications such as scalp abscess, sepsis, and osteomyelitis of the skull present with local signs, including increasing size, local erythema and tenderness, and fluctuant swelling.