What Do Skin Lumps Feel Like With a Scalp Cyst?

A pilar cyst forms around a hair follicle, often on a hair-bearing part of the scalp. It commonly feels like a distinct, dome-shaped bump under the skin and may shift slightly over the tissue beneath it. The surface may look normal when the cyst is quiet.

A cyst can become sore, warm, red, or swollen if it is irritated or inflamed. Fluid or thick material may drain if the surface opens. These features can overlap with an infected follicle or another type of lump, so touch alone cannot establish the diagnosis.

Have a persistent or bothersome scalp lump examined by a clinician. Keep combs, hats, and fingernails from repeatedly rubbing it, and avoid trying to pop or cut it open. Note any change in size, colour, tenderness, or drainage.

If the cyst keeps catching during hair care or returns after drainage, discuss treatment options with a clinician. Removal is planned around the cyst wall when appropriate, because simple drainage may not address the whole lump.

Seek prompt advice if the lump becomes increasingly painful, red, hot, rapidly swollen, or starts draining. Fever, spreading redness, or feeling unwell warrants urgent assessment because these can signal a skin infection.

Does this feel like a pilar cyst or another type of lump? Is it inflamed or infected? Would monitoring, treatment, or removal be most appropriate?