Lump on the head under the skin

Scalp skin contains hair follicles and oil glands, making blocked follicles and cysts possible. A bump can also develop after a knock, particularly if there is tenderness or bruising. A boil is more likely to be sore, warm, and inflamed, while a cyst may feel smooth and move slightly beneath the skin. These clues do not establish the diagnosis, and a scalp lump should be assessed in context.

Look at the skin over the lump for crusting, bleeding, an open area, or a new colour change. A persistent changing lesion should be checked to exclude conditions such as basal cell carcinoma, although a lump is not by itself proof of cancer.

Avoid picking, cutting, or trying to drain the lump at home. Wash the scalp gently and use a comb carefully around the area. Take a dated photograph if the position is hard to see, and record pain, growth, discharge, and any recent injury. Book a clinician review for a lump that remains, returns, catches on clothing or a brush, or causes repeated discomfort. Depending on the findings, care may involve observation, treatment of inflammation, removal, or a selected steroid injection into the skin.

Get prompt care for spreading redness, increasing warmth, pus, fever, severe pain, or swelling after a head injury. Seek urgent help after an injury if there is loss of consciousness, repeated vomiting, confusion, worsening headache, weakness, or unusual drowsiness. A lump that bleeds, forms a persistent sore, or changes shape needs timely medical review.

Ask whether the lump is superficial or deeper, whether it resembles a cyst or inflamed follicle, whether the skin needs sampling, and which signs should prompt an earlier appointment.