OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Concern About My Son's Head Ridge

6/23/2025, 5:40:18 PMMale25-34

I recently gave my 4-year-old son a buzz cut and noticed a distinct ridge running along the top of his head. Throughout his early years, he had a thick head of hair, which concealed this feature, so we hadn't detected it before. This ridge wasn’t present during his infancy. Should I be worried about this development?

AgingWellnessFamily Medicine

Answers (1)

Cony

6/23/2025, 5:40:36 PM

OpenHealth AI

It's understandable to be concerned about changes in your child's head shape, especially when you discover something unexpected, like a ridge on your son's skull. A distinct ridge on the skull can be a normal variant for children, especially as they grow and their skull bones change shape.

Explanation:

In young children, skull bones are still developing and may shift as they grow. Occasional changes in head shape can occur due to various benign factors such as sleeping positions, changes in hair length, or even the natural growth of bones. If the ridge has appeared recently, it could simply be a result of growth or temporary changes in how the skull is positioned or perceived.

Next Steps:

  1. Observe Changes: Keep an eye on the ridge over the next few weeks to see if it becomes more pronounced or if you notice any new developments, such as changes in behavior, headaches, or discomfort.

  2. Gentle Palpation: You can gently feel the area to see if it feels warm, tender, or if there are other abnormalities, as these could indicate a concern.

  3. Document Your Observations: Note any additional changes or symptoms that arise. This can include if your son seems more sensitive to touch around the area or if there are changes in his head's size.

  4. Talk to Your Pediatrician: If you're still concerned after observing for a while or if you notice unusual symptoms, it would be beneficial to discuss this with your child's pediatrician. They can provide a thorough evaluation and address your concerns to determine if any further steps are needed.

Taking these steps can help clarify whether this is a normal variation in your son's skull development. Your awareness and proactive approach to his health are important. If you have further questions or notice any concerning symptoms, please reach out for professional guidance.

Related Questions

Concerns About Color Change

Hello, I'm a 25-year-old male, and I’ve observed a change in the color of my frenulum. It appears to be taking on a shade that resembles the color beneath the head of my penis, which is somewhat pink. The shaft itself has a darker, brownish hue. I find it a bit challenging to describe, and I wish I could share an image for clarity. This alteration has developed over the past few months, but I’m not experiencing any discomfort or other symptoms; it’s merely the pink hue on my frenulum that has caught my attention.

Family MedicineInternal MedicinePreventive Medicine
Male25-34
11 minutes ago

Understanding the Severity of a Finger Infection

Hello everyone, this is my first time posting, and I would appreciate your feedback if I overlook something. I've noticed some signs of an infection near my fingernail. The area feels a bit tender and hurts to some extent, but the discomfort is manageable. Can anyone share insights on how serious this might be?

AgingWellnessFamily Medicine
Male25-34
11 minutes ago

(26M) Experiencing Redness in My Eye for Two Days – Is Medical Attention Necessary?

Greetings, medical professionals. For the past two days, I have noticed that a segment of my eye, situated right beneath the pupil, has developed a reddish tint. This concern has led me to ponder whether it might be an indication of an infection or a different issue. Although there isn't any itchiness, I do have a persistent feeling that something is lodged in my eye, which hasn't improved despite using lubrication drops in an attempt to relieve the sensation. Should I seek medical advice regarding this matter?

Family MedicineInternal MedicinePreventive Medicine
Male25-34
41 minutes ago

Understanding Aortic Dissection Risks

Last summer, my father, who is 47, experienced a ruptured aorta. I’m uncertain whether my grandfather or my great-grandfather encountered similar issues. My grandfather, now 75, is frail and has various health complications; however, he has never faced this particular problem. Given this family history, I’m left wondering if I should be concerned about my own risk at the age of 23. I plan to start a fitness regimen soon to improve my overall health.

ExerciseWellnessLifestyle Changes
Male25-34
51 minutes ago

Seeking Clarification on MRI Results

I've been dealing with significant low back pain and have been diagnosed with various conditions, including suspected degenerative disc disease, small fiber neuropathy, and CRPS at the age of 23. Recently, I underwent an MRI on my lumbar spine, which the report indicated was normal. However, upon reviewing the image I have shared, it seems evident that there is a noticeable bulging disc at the lower part. Can someone help me understand this discrepancy?

AgingFamily MedicineInternal Medicine
Male25-34
1 hour ago