Keloid on the back of the head: what should you know?

The back of the scalp and upper neck are exposed to hair clippers, collars, helmets, sweat, friction, and inflamed hair follicles. A keloid is scar tissue that grows beyond the original injury and can feel smooth, hard, itchy, or painful. Repeated follicle inflammation can also leave raised scars, while a cyst may feel round and mobile under the skin. Tenderness, warmth, pus, or rapidly spreading redness point more toward inflammation or infection. The position, hair history, piercing or injury, and rate of change help a clinician narrow the possibilities.

Avoid close shaving, picking, scratching, and tight collars over the lump. Use clean tools and gentle hair care, and keep sweat or product residue from sitting on irritated skin. Do not lance or squeeze it at home. Arrange a dermatology assessment if it persists, grows, or catches on clothing. Treatment could include Steroid Injection Into The Skin, pressure or silicone care, selected laser treatment, cryotherapy, or surgery; the safest choice depends on whether the lesion is scar tissue, a cyst, or active follicle disease.

Seek prompt care for a hot, painful, draining, or quickly enlarging lump, especially with fever or spreading redness. Arrange assessment for bleeding, repeated crusting, numbness, severe tenderness, or a lesion that limits neck movement. If swelling follows a procedure or injury and worsens rather than settles, contact the treating clinician.

Ask whether the bump is a keloid, acne-related scar, cyst, or infection; whether clipping or hair products are aggravating it; and whether treatment should begin with injections, scar care, or another approach. Ask how to prevent friction and how changes in size, pain, or drainage should be recorded.