What should you know about dry skin lumps on scalp?

Flaking around a bump may come from scalp irritation, a blocked follicle, an inflamed cyst or a boil. A lump can also have a separate cause from the surrounding dryness. Basal cell carcinoma is one condition that can appear as a persistent skin growth, so appearance alone cannot identify the cause. Record its position, size, colour, firmness, tenderness, mobility and how long it has been present.

Do not assume that a dry surface explains a deeper lump. A clinician can examine the scalp and nearby skin, and may recommend observation, treatment or testing depending on the findings.

Use a gentle shampoo and rinse thoroughly. Avoid scratching, picking, tight headwear and hair products that sting the area. Do not pierce or squeeze the lump, because this can worsen inflammation and introduce infection. Take a clear photo beside a familiar object so you can notice change, and tell the clinician about pain, drainage, injury or any new product. Treatment depends on the diagnosis; some inflamed lesions may be considered for a steroid injection into the skin, but this must be decided after examination.

Book a medical review for a lump that remains, enlarges, repeatedly crusts or bleeds, feels fixed, or causes ongoing tenderness. Seek prompt care if the scalp becomes increasingly red, hot or swollen, or if pus, fever or rapidly spreading pain develops. A painful, soft, draining bump may fit the pattern of a boil, but only an examination can distinguish it from other lesions.

What features make this lump more likely to be inflamed, cystic or a growth? Does the dry scale need separate treatment? Should it be photographed, monitored, sampled or removed? Which shampoo can I use without irritating the area?