What should you know about lump in scalp under skin?

The scalp contains hair follicles, oil glands, and dense connective tissue. A smooth, rounded lump may be a cyst, while a sore or crusted bump can reflect follicle inflammation or a boil. A scalp lump is a presentation of multiple skin and soft-tissue changes; touch and appearance cannot reliably distinguish them.

Ask someone to help inspect the area if hair makes it difficult to see. Record whether it is new, growing, tender, itchy, bleeding, crusting, or associated with hair loss. A recent knock may also cause swelling, but ongoing or changing swelling deserves review.

Wash gently and avoid picking, squeezing, or scratching. Do not try to drain a scalp lump at home. Arrange a medical examination if it persists, enlarges, becomes repeatedly irritated by combing, or changes the surrounding skin. A clinician may examine it closely and decide whether observation, imaging, or removal is suitable.

Seek prompt care if the area becomes hot, rapidly swollen, very painful, or drains pus, especially with fever or feeling unwell. After a head injury, urgent assessment is needed for worsening headache, repeated vomiting, confusion, fainting, or new weakness. Any scalp lump that bleeds, ulcerates, becomes fixed, or grows steadily should be reviewed soon.

Ask whether the lump appears superficial, whether the hair follicles or deeper tissue are involved, and what changes should trigger follow-up. Mention head trauma, hair treatments, scratching, drainage, tenderness, and any nearby hair loss.