Dr. Pimple Popper Removes A Potentially Cancerous Horn From This Patient’s Head I Dr. Pimple Popper

A scalp lump refers to a bump or swelling on the scalp, which can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, infection, cysts, or other health conditions. It’s important to determine the cause of the lump to decide on the appropriate course of action.

Here’s what you can do if you notice a lump on your scalp:

1. Assess the Lump

• Size and Shape: Is it hard or soft? Is it movable under the skin, or does it feel fixed?
• Pain: Does it hurt when you touch it? Is the pain constant or only when pressure is applied?
• Other Symptoms: Are there any other signs like redness, warmth, or pus? Does the lump grow over time?

2. Common Causes

• Cysts: Sebaceous cysts or epidermoid cysts can form under the skin and are usually harmless.
• Infections: Infections like folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles) or abscesses can cause lumps.
• Lipomas: These are benign fatty growths that are usually soft and movable.
• Trauma: A bump or lump could be a result of an injury, such as a bruise or hematoma.
• Pimples: Sometimes a pimple or ingrown hair can cause a localized bump.

3. Monitor for Changes

• If the lump doesn’t hurt, stays the same size, and isn’t growing, it may just be a benign condition, like a cyst or lipoma.
• If it changes size, gets larger, or becomes painful, it might be a sign of infection or something more serious.

4. When to See a Doctor

• Persistent Lump: If the lump doesn’t go away after a few weeks, it’s best to get it checked.
• Pain and Redness: If the lump is painful, warm, or red, it could be an infection.
• Rapid Growth: If the lump is growing quickly, seek medical attention.
• Associated Symptoms: If you experience fever, headache, or dizziness along with the lump, it could indicate an underlying condition that needs medical attention.

5. Treatment Options

• Home Care: For benign lumps (like cysts or pimples), you can apply warm compresses to help reduce swelling.
• Medical Treatment: Depending on the diagnosis, a doctor might suggest draining an abscess, removing a cyst, or prescribing antibiotics for an infection.
• Surgical Removal: If the lump is a lipoma or something that’s causing you concern, a doctor might remove it surgically.

1. Common Causes of Scalp Lumps

a. Sebaceous Cysts (Epidermoid Cysts)

• Description: These are non-cancerous lumps that form under the skin when a hair follicle or oil gland becomes blocked. They often contain a soft, yellowish material called keratin.
• Symptoms: They are usually painless, round, movable lumps. Over time, they may become inflamed or infected, causing redness, pain, and warmth.
• Treatment: If infected, antibiotics or drainage may be needed. In some cases, surgical removal is recommended if the cyst is recurrent or bothersome.
• Reference: American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) – Sebaceous Cyst Overview

b. Lipomas

• Description: Lipomas are soft, non-cancerous fatty lumps that form just beneath the skin. They are usually slow-growing and painless but can become uncomfortable if they press on surrounding structures.
• Symptoms: The lump is usually round, soft, and movable under the skin. Lipomas are typically not tender unless they press on nerves.
• Treatment: Surgery to remove the lipoma is the most common treatment if it causes discomfort or aesthetic concern.
• Reference: Mayo Clinic – Lipoma Overview

c. Infections (Folliculitis, Abscesses)

• Folliculitis: This occurs when hair follicles become infected, often from bacteria. It leads to small, red, pimple-like bumps, and may be itchy or tender.
• Abscesses: An abscess is a collection of pus that forms when an infection is contained by the body’s immune system. It is often painful, swollen, and may be red.
• Treatment: Folliculitis can be treated with topical antibiotics or medicated shampoos, while abscesses may require drainage and antibiotics.
• Reference: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) – Folliculitis Overview

d. Hematomas (Bruising and Blood Collection)

• Description: A scalp hematoma occurs after trauma or injury, causing blood to collect under the skin. It typically results from a bump to the head.
• Symptoms: A soft, squishy lump may form, and the area could be bruised or tender.
• Treatment: Most hematomas resolve on their own, but larger ones may require drainage if they do not improve or become increasingly painful.
• Reference: MedlinePlus – Hematoma Overview

e. Pimple or Ingrown Hair

• Description: A clogged pore or hair follicle can form a pimple, which may appear as a small, raised bump on the scalp. Ingrown hairs can also lead to small lumps.
• Symptoms: These are usually localized, red, and painful when touched.
• Treatment: Mild cases can be managed with gentle washing and over-the-counter acne treatments. Infected pimples may require antibiotics.
• Reference: American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) – Pimple Overview

2. When to Seek Medical Attention

Here are some specific scenarios in which you should definitely see a doctor:

• Persistent lump: If the lump doesn’t go away after a few weeks or keeps growing.
• Pain: If the lump is painful, especially if the pain intensifies.
• Rapid Growth: A lump that grows quickly could be a cause for concern.
• Redness or Warmth: Redness, swelling, or warmth might indicate an infection.
• Associated Symptoms: If you develop other symptoms like fever, nausea, or headache, it could indicate a serious condition like an abscess or a deeper infection.

3. Diagnosing Scalp Lumps

• Physical Examination: A healthcare provider will begin by examining the lump’s size, shape, and consistency. They will also ask about any pain, trauma, or infection history.
• Imaging Tests: In some cases, a doctor may order an ultrasound or an MRI if there is concern about the underlying cause, such as a lipoma or hematoma.
• Biopsy: If a tumor or growth is suspected to be cancerous, a biopsy (removal of a small tissue sample) may be done to check for cancer cells.
• Blood Tests: Blood tests might be used if there is concern about infection or systemic issues affecting the scalp.

4. Treatment Options

• Warm Compress: For non-infected cysts or pimples, a warm compress may help reduce swelling and promote drainage.
• Antibiotics: If an infection is present (e.g., folliculitis or abscess), oral or topical antibiotics may be prescribed.
• Cyst Removal: Surgical removal of a sebaceous cyst or lipoma may be necessary if it’s causing discomfort or recurrent infections.
• Drainage of Abscesses: An abscess will typically be drained by a healthcare provider to remove the pus and alleviate pressure.
• Steroid Injections: In some cases of inflammatory lumps or cysts, a steroid injection might be used to reduce swelling and prevent further growth.

5. Self-Examination Tips

When checking the lump on your scalp:

• Gently Feel: Use your fingers to feel the lump. Is it soft, hard, or movable?
• Note Pain Levels: Gently press on the lump. Does it hurt? How severe is the pain?
• Look for Other Signs: Check if the skin around the lump is red, swollen, or warm, which might indicate an infection.
• Measure Size: Keep track of how big the lump is over time. A lump that grows rapidly or changes shape should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

6. References for Further Reading:

• American Academy of Dermatology (AAD): Sebaceous Cyst
• Mayo Clinic: Lipoma Overview
• National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS): Folliculitis Overview