- 1. Seborrheic dermatitis
- 2. Hit on the head
- 3. Sebaceous cyst
- 4. Folliculitis
- 5. Hives
- 6. Basal cell carcinoma
- When to go to the doctor
The lump on the head is usually not very severe and can be treated easily, often only with medication to relieve pain and observe the progress of the lump. However, if it is noticed that there are more lumps or that there has been an increase in size, it is important to seek medical help, as it can mean more serious conditions whose treatment is more specific, such as an infection or cancer, for example.
The presence of a lump on the head usually does not cause symptoms, but it can cause a lot of discomfort, especially when combing hair, for example, which can become a very painful action.
The appearance of the lump can be due to several situations, such as seborrheic dermatitis, sebaceous cyst and even urticaria, the diagnosis being made by the dermatologist based on the observation of the lump and the characteristics of the scalp. The main causes of lump in the head are:
1. Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is the most common cause of lump on the head and is characterized by a thick yellow or whitish crust on the scalp that usually itches. The area around the lump is usually soft and painful when touched. Understand what seborrheic dermatitis is and how home treatment is done.
What to do: Usually the treatment recommended by the dermatologist includes the use of shampoos or ointments containing antifungals or corticosteroids, in addition to the indication of frequent head washing and the non-use of gels, caps or hair sprays. Learn more about the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis.
2. Hit on the head
Normally, blows to the head lead to lumps, which indicate that the body is trying to recover from the injury. More traumatic injuries, such as those that happen due to car accidents, for example, lead to the appearance of larger, more painful lumps and bleeding. Find out what types of cerebral hemorrhage are.
What to do: After a blow to the head, it is important to go to a medical emergency so that you can do imaging tests that allow you to see the skull and detect signs of bleeding for example. However, lumps that appear on the head after blows are generally not a risk and disappear after a few days.
3. Sebaceous cyst
The sebaceous cyst on the head corresponds to a liquid-filled lump that arises due to the clogging of the pores with dirt, dust or natural oil from the skin and hair. The presence of a cyst on the head can cause pain when the person washes or combs the hair, for example. See how to identify the sebaceous cyst.
What to do: The treatment of sebaceous cyst is usually done through surgery and, even though in most cases it is benign, part of the cyst is sent to the laboratory for a biopsy.
4. Folliculitis
Folliculitis on the scalp is difficult to happen, but it can be caused by the development of fungi or bacteria at the root of the hair, leading to the appearance of lumps. In more severe cases, there may be hair loss in the region, being called decalvating or dissecting folliculitis. Learn more about folliculitis.
What to do: Treatment for folliculitis on the scalp can be done with the use of antifungal shampoos, such as Ketoconazole, or application or taking antibiotics, such as Mupirocin or Cephalexin, according to the guidance of the dermatologist and the causative agent of folliculitis.
5. Hives
Urticaria is an allergic reaction that usually affects the skin, with red spots that itch and swell up. However, the symptoms of urticaria can also be noticed on the head, through the appearance of small lumps that usually itch a lot.
What to do: The treatment of urticaria is carried out according to the dermatologist's guidance and, most of the time, it is done with anti-allergic drugs, such as Loratadine, for example, or oral corticosteroids, such as Prednisone, to relieve the itching and swelling. Understand how to identify and treat urticaria.
6. Basal cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer and is characterized mainly by the presence of small spots on the skin that grow slowly over time. In addition, small bumps on the head accompanied by spots can be identified by the dermatologist, which is also indicative of basal cell carcinoma. Learn more about this type of carcinoma.
What to do: When noticing the presence of stains around the lump on the head, it is important to go to the doctor so that the diagnosis can be made and, thus, treatment started. Treatment is usually done by laser surgery or by applying cold to the injury site. In addition, it is important to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, wear caps or hats and apply sunscreen periodically. Understand more about treatment for skin cancer.
When to go to the doctor
It is important to go to the doctor when any of the following conditions are noticed:
- Appearance of more than one lump; Increase in size; Appearance of spots; Change in the color of the lump; Outflow of liquid, such as pus or blood; Severe headache.
The diagnosis of the cause of the lump on the head is usually made by a dermatologist, but it can also be done by a general practitioner. The doctor will evaluate the characteristics of the lump, as well as the scalp, so that you can close the diagnosis and start the treatment, which varies according to the cause.
