How important is it to ice a bump?

REOM

My 2yo fell and has a bump on the back of her head. She is refusing to let me put the ice pack on it. It doesn't seem to be bothering her. Should I insist that we ice it, or is that only to relieve pain ? She doesn't seem to be in any pain.

Thanks

Zenya

I read it is just cosmetic

 https://www.askdrsears.com/html/8/t082300.asp

• Ice, ice, ice! If your child will let you, gently hold an ice pack (a "boo-boo bunny") to the bump (bag of frozen vegetables works great!). This will decrease the eventual size of the bump. Apply the ice for 20 minutes and then take a 5-minute break, then 20 minutes again. Offer your child a treat to eat during the icing to consol him.
• Many children will kick and scream if you try to apply ice. You can decide if it is worth it. The main benefit from ice is cosmetic appearance. Rarely, a large bump will leave a tiny pea-sized residual hard calcium deposit felt under the skin. Applying ice may help prevent this.

 

REOM

Thanks Zenya.  She is fine, but wow was that scary!