Forehead lump under the skin: what to know

A tender, red, warm lump may reflect an inflamed spot or boil. A smooth, mobile lump can be a cyst or other benign growth, while a firm area after a knock may reflect swelling or healing tissue. Less commonly, a persistent changing skin growth needs assessment, including to check for basal cell carcinoma. The lump itself does not establish a diagnosis.

You can compare general patterns on [Skin Lumps](/symptoms/skin-lumps/), [Boils](/conditions/boils/), and [Basal Cell Carcinoma](/conditions/basal-cell-carcinoma/).

Do not squeeze, puncture, or repeatedly press the lump. Take a clear photograph, note when it appeared, and record changes in size, colour, pain, drainage, or mobility. A clinician may inspect and feel it, then decide whether observation, treatment, imaging, or sampling is appropriate.

A steroid injection into the skin may be used for selected inflammatory lesions, but it is not suitable for every lump and should only follow an examination. Read about [Steroid Injection Into The Skin](/treatments/injectables/intralesional-steroid-injection/).

Arrange prompt medical review for a lump that grows, becomes hard or fixed, repeatedly bleeds or crusts, fails to heal, or causes persistent pain. Seek urgent care for rapidly spreading redness, fever, severe swelling, pus, or swelling around the eye with vision change. A sudden lump after a significant head injury also needs urgent assessment, especially with vomiting, confusion, or severe headache.

Ask what features suggest inflammation, a cyst, injury, or a growth; whether it needs monitoring or testing; whether treatment could leave a mark; and which changes should bring you back sooner.