Back of the Head Lump: Causes and Timing for Medical Consultation
Bumps on the back of the head can be a cause for concern, but understanding their possible origins can help alleviate anxiety. This article provides an overview of various causes and treatments for bumps that may appear on the scalp.
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### 1. Injury-Related Bumps
Injuries to the scalp or skull can result in swelling or hematomas, which manifest as bumps. Typically, initial treatment involves applying ice packs and pain relief. Persistent or large lumps may necessitate medical evaluation to rule out fractures or deeper injury.
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### 2. Cysts (Including Epidermoid Cysts)
Epidermoid cysts occur when surface skin elements become trapped under the skin, forming a slow-growing, usually painless lump. These are common in adults. Treatment is typically not required unless the cyst becomes infected, painful, or cosmetically concerning, in which case surgical removal by a healthcare professional is necessary.
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### 3. Lipoma
Lipomas are benign fatty tumours under the skin that feel soft and are usually painless. Generally, they do not require treatment unless they grow large or cause discomfort, in which case surgical excision is performed.
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### 4. Bone Spurs
Bone spurs are bony projections that can develop along bones of the skull, sometimes felt as hard lumps. Typically, no treatment is needed unless the spur causes pain, irritation, or pressure on surrounding tissues, in which case surgery may be considered.
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### 5. Scalp Acne and Related Conditions (Including Acne Keloidalis Nuchae)
Bumps can arise from blocked or inflamed hair follicles due to various factors. Scalp acne and acne keloidalis nuchae (AKN) are common conditions causing papules and pustules on the scalp or neck.
For scalp acne, treatment includes using medicated shampoos containing zinc pyrithione or coal tar, topical antibiotics, mild steroids, or isotretinoin if severe. AKN treatment involves avoiding irritation, gentle cleansing, avoiding tight collars or helmets, and no close shaving. Treatments for AKN include topical retinoids, corticosteroids, antibiotics, oral medications like doxycycline, and in advanced cases, steroid injections, laser therapy, or surgery.
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### 6. Scalp Infections (Fungal, Bacterial, or Viral)
Fungal infections such as ringworm (tinea capitis) or piedra cause tender, itchy, or blistered bumps, sometimes leading to hair loss. Treatment involves oral antifungal medications (e.g., terbinafine or ketoconazole) and maintaining good scalp hygiene to prevent the spread.
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If a bump on the back of the head persists, grows, becomes painful, or shows signs of infection (redness, warmth, discharge), consulting a healthcare provider is important for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Anyone who has hit their head very hard or been in a severe accident should seek immediate medical attention, even if they do not yet have symptoms of concussion.
Treatment for pilar cysts may not be necessary if they are not causing symptoms, but a doctor may recommend surgical removal if the cyst causes discomfort or other problems. Some hair care products can cause scalp acne. People should contact a doctor if the bump on the back of the head seems to be getting larger or is worsening, causes severe pain or other problems, produces pus or discharge, is warm to the touch, or the surrounding area is discolored.
At-home treatment for scalp folliculitis includes applying a warm compress, antibiotic ointment, and anti-dandruff shampoo. In very rare cases, a lump on the back of the head can be due to bone cancer, but causes like cysts or injury are more common. Skull base tumours, such as chordomas, are rare and can cause symptoms like walking and balance difficulties, headaches, hearing problems, and visual disturbances.
A hard lump on the head could be due to bone spurs, which are bony lumps that most often grow around joints. Bone spurs can develop near joints in the neck, knees, shoulder, lower back, foot or heel, fingers, and big toe. They can cause pain if they rub against or put pressure on bones, tissues, or nerves. Injuries, such as falling backward, impacts during contact sports, violence, or accidents, can cause a bump on the back of the head.
In conclusion, various causes can lead to bumps on the back of the head. Understanding these causes and seeking prompt medical attention when necessary can help ensure proper diagnosis and effective treatment.
- An injury to the scalp or skull can result in swelling or hematomas, appearing as bumps on the back of the head. These may need medical evaluation to rule out deeper injures.
- Epidermoid cysts, which occur when surface skin elements become trapped under the skin, can cause slow-growing, usually painless bumps. Treatment is required if they become infected, painful, or cosmetically concerning.
- Lipomas, benign fatty tumors under the skin, can manifest as soft, painless lumps on the scalp. Treatment is generally not necessary unless they grow large or cause discomfort.
- Bone spurs, bony projections that can develop along bones of the skull, may feel as hard lumps. Treatment may be necessary if they cause pain, irritation, or pressure on surrounding tissues.
- Scalp acne and conditions like Acne Keloidalis Nuchae can cause papules and pustules on the scalp. Treatments vary from medicated shampoos to oral medications and surgery in advanced cases.
- Fungal infections such as ringworm and piedra can cause tender, itchy, or blistered bumps and require oral antifungal medications and maintaining good scalp hygiene.
- Pilar cysts, while not needing treatment if symptom-free, may require surgical removal if causing discomfort or other issues.
- Some hair care products can cause scalp acne. Seek a doctor's advice if the bump persists, grows, becomes painful, or shows signs of infection.
- Certain rare conditions like bone cancer or skull base tumors can cause bumps on the back of the head, but these are less common than other causes like cysts or injury.
- Injuries, such as falling backward, impacts during contact sports, violence, or accidents, can cause a bump on the back of the head. Prompt medical attention is advisable in such cases.
