What should you know about occipital cellulitis?

The infection affects deeper skin and soft tissue around the occipital area, near the back of the skull. A breast lump is not relevant here; rather, cellulitis commonly presents with a local patch of painful, warm, swollen, or red skin. Fever or feeling unwell can accompany the local changes. A break in the skin, bite, wound, or another infection such as Athlete's Foot can provide an entry point, although the cause may not be obvious.

Arrange same-day medical assessment when the back of the scalp becomes increasingly red, hot, swollen, or painful, especially with fever. A clinician may examine the area, check for an abscess, and prescribe antibiotics when bacterial cellulitis is suspected. Take prescribed medicine exactly as directed and keep any wound clean. Do not squeeze, lance, or massage the area. Tell the clinician if you have Type 2 Diabetes, immune problems, or previous skin infections because these factors can affect risk and follow-up.

Go to urgent care for rapidly spreading redness, severe pain, confusion, faintness, fast breathing, repeated vomiting, or difficulty staying awake. These can signal a serious infection, including sepsis. New swelling near the eye, severe headache, neck stiffness, or neurological symptoms also require emergency assessment. Do not wait for a fever if the skin changes are progressing quickly.

Ask whether the infection involves an abscess, how soon improvement should begin after treatment, how to mark or monitor the edge of redness, and which symptoms mean you should return urgently.