What should you know about a sebaceous cyst over the scalp?

These cysts form when skin cells collect in a sac beneath the surface. The lump may feel smooth, firm, or mobile and can become noticeable when brushing, washing, or wearing headwear. A small central opening may be visible. A scalp lump can have other causes, so appearance alone cannot confirm the diagnosis.

Redness, warmth, tenderness, swelling, or drainage can indicate irritation or inflammation. A cyst may also become less distinct after it leaks into surrounding tissue. Do not squeeze it, pierce it, or try to empty it at home.

Arrange a skin examination if the lump is new, growing, repeatedly irritated, or difficult to see because of the hair. The clinician may inspect and feel it, then discuss observation or treatment. An inflamed cyst may be managed first with an injection into the skin or drainage, while cyst removal addresses the sac when appropriate.

Keep the area clean and avoid friction from combs, helmets, or scratching. Photographing a changing lump can help you describe its progression at the appointment.

Seek prompt medical attention if scalp swelling becomes rapidly larger, very painful, hot, or increasingly red, or if pus, bleeding, fever, or feeling unwell occurs. Urgent assessment is also sensible if the lump follows an injury, affects vision or movement, or feels fixed and unlike your usual skin cyst.

Ask whether the lump looks like a skin cyst, whether inflammation needs treatment before removal, how a procedure could affect the hair-bearing skin, and what wound care or signs of infection to watch for.