Healthy infant, with a feather on the scalp; the simplest explanation is usually the most likely

We present images of a healthy infant who was brought to our emergency department by his worried parents, who consulted concerned because “a feather has grown in his 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 from 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 use of appropriate materials in the environment of the baby bedding.