A head bump refers to any unusual lump, protrusion, or swelling on the scalp or skull. While many head bumps are benign and resolve on their own, some can indicate more serious underlying conditions. Understanding the various causes of these bumps is important for determining when medical attention might be necessary.
Common Head Bump Causes
Head bumps frequently arise from common, less severe issues, with trauma being a primary cause. A blow or impact can result in a hematoma, a collection of blood under the skin, appearing as a bruise or “goose egg” lump. This swelling can be prominent even from a minor injury, due to localized inflammation and fluid accumulation.
Insect bites also commonly cause bumps on the head. Insects can inject substances that trigger an allergic reaction, leading to localized swelling, redness, and itching. These bumps may feel firm or soft. The body’s immune system responds to the foreign substance, causing inflammation.
Another frequent cause of scalp bumps is folliculitis or scalp acne. Folliculitis occurs when hair follicles become inflamed, often due to bacterial or fungal infection or physical damage, manifesting as painful, red, pus-filled bumps. Scalp acne results from clogged hair follicles, leading to raised bumps, whiteheads, or blackheads that can be itchy or tender. These conditions are often associated with product buildup, infrequent washing, or excessive sweating.
Benign Growths Under the Skin
Beyond acute injuries or infections, several types of non-cancerous growths can form on or under the scalp. Sebaceous cysts are common, slow-growing lumps from blocked sebaceous glands, which produce oil for the skin and hair. They typically contain a yellowish, oily, or cheesy substance. These movable, round or oval-shaped lumps are usually painless unless inflamed or infected.
Lipomas are another type of benign growth, characterized as soft, fatty lumps that develop just beneath the skin. Composed of mature fat cells, they are generally harmless and movable, often feeling doughy or rubbery. While they can occur anywhere, lipomas on the head are typically small. They are encapsulated, meaning they do not spread to surrounding tissues.
Osteomas are benign bone growths that can form on the skull. These slow-growing tumors are made of mature bone tissue and often feel hard and fixed. While many osteomas are asymptomatic and discovered incidentally, their size and location can sometimes cause symptoms like headaches, sinus issues, or vision changes if they press on nearby structures. They are not cancerous and usually do not require treatment unless they cause discomfort or cosmetic concerns.
When to Seek Medical Care
While many head bumps are harmless, certain signs and circumstances warrant professional medical evaluation. If a head bump is accompanied by severe headache, dizziness, nausea, repeated vomiting, confusion, vision changes like double or blurry vision, or a loss of consciousness, particularly after a head injury, immediate medical attention is necessary. These symptoms could indicate a more serious underlying injury, such as a concussion or internal bleeding.
Any bump that is rapidly growing, changing in color or texture, or has irregular borders should be examined by a healthcare provider. Bumps that are painful, red, warm to the touch, or draining pus may indicate an infection requiring treatment. A persistent bump that does not resolve within a reasonable timeframe or causes significant cosmetic concern also warrants medical consultation. For infants or very young children, any head bump, especially after a fall or accompanied by unusual behavior, irritability, or bulging of the soft spot, should prompt immediate medical attention due to their increased vulnerability to head trauma.
Medical Evaluation and Treatment
When a head bump causes concern, a medical evaluation typically begins with a thorough physical examination, where the healthcare provider assesses the bump’s characteristics, such as size, texture, mobility, and tenderness. A detailed patient history is also crucial, including information about how the bump appeared, any associated symptoms, and past medical conditions. Depending on the initial assessment, diagnostic tests may be ordered to gain a clearer understanding of the bump’s nature.
Imaging tests are often used. A computed tomography (CT) scan is often the preferred initial imaging choice for head injuries, as it can quickly detect internal bleeding, skull fractures, or swelling within the brain. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used for more detailed soft tissue visualization, identifying changes in brain tissue or smaller abnormalities a CT scan might miss. In some cases, especially for growths, a biopsy (taking a small tissue sample) may be performed to determine its exact composition.
Treatment approaches for head bumps vary widely based on the underlying cause. Minor bumps from trauma might only require observation, pain relief, and cold compresses to reduce swelling. For infections like folliculitis or abscesses, drainage of pus and antibiotic medications are common treatments. Benign growths such as cysts or lipomas may be observed if they are asymptomatic, but if they cause discomfort, grow, or become infected, surgical removal is often an option. In more complex cases, such as those involving significant head trauma or specific types of growths, referral to specialists like neurosurgeons or dermatologists may be necessary for advanced management and care.