What should you know about small lump on forehead under skin?

A sore red lump that develops over a short time can occur with a boil or inflamed follicle. A bump after an injury may reflect local swelling, while a firm, persistent lesion may have another cause. The forehead receives sun exposure, so a spot that repeatedly crusts, bleeds, changes, or fails to heal should be examined; basal cell carcinoma is one possibility among several, not a conclusion from a lump alone. A clinician will consider the skin surface, depth, mobility, tenderness, and duration together.

Leave the lump alone rather than squeezing, puncturing, or applying harsh acids. Cleanse gently, avoid friction from headwear, and use sun protection on intact surrounding skin. Note its size, colour, tenderness, mobility, and any crust or drainage. If inflammation is confirmed, a clinician may discuss options such as an intralesional steroid injection; treatment depends on the actual diagnosis and location.

Seek prompt help for rapidly spreading redness, marked swelling around the eye, severe pain, fever, pus, vision changes, or a recent significant head injury. Arrange a dermatology review for a lump that persists, enlarges, becomes fixed, bleeds, crusts, or changes its surface.

Ask whether the lump is superficial or deeper, what signs would make sampling or removal useful, and which products should be avoided. Tell the clinician about injury, sun exposure, acne or shaving, drainage, tenderness, and every change you have noticed.