What should you know about a small round lump under the skin?

A lump that is tender, warm, red, or filled with fluid may reflect inflammation or infection. A firm, slow-changing lump can have a different explanation, including a cyst or other benign growth. A skin cancer can sometimes look like a persistent pearly or sore bump, but appearance alone cannot confirm the diagnosis. A skin lump presents in many conditions; it does not mean a particular condition is present.

A clinician will consider how long it has been there, whether it moves under the fingers, and whether the overlying skin has changed. Review [Skin Lumps](/symptoms/skin-lumps/), [Boils](/conditions/boils/), or [Basal Cell Carcinoma](/conditions/basal-cell-carcinoma/) for related information.

Do not squeeze, pierce, or repeatedly massage the lump. Keep the area clean, avoid friction, and take a photograph so you can compare changes. Note pain, drainage, growth, and any preceding bite, shaving, or injury. A healthcare professional may examine the lump and decide whether observation, drainage, a sample, or another treatment is appropriate. Some inflamed lesions may be treated with a [Steroid Injection Into The Skin](/treatments/injectables/intralesional-steroid-injection/), depending on the diagnosis.

Seek prompt care if the lump grows quickly, becomes very painful, turns red or hot, drains pus, or is accompanied by fever. Arrange an assessment for a lump that bleeds, repeatedly scabs, ulcerates, or does not settle. Urgent help is appropriate if redness is spreading rapidly or you feel significantly unwell.

Ask what the lump feels and looks like clinically, whether it needs drainage or testing, what changes should trigger review, and how to care for the skin while it is being monitored.