Finding a bump on your scalp is common and often harmless, though it can be a source of concern. These bumps vary in appearance, texture, and underlying causes. Understanding the reasons behind a scalp bump can help determine if it’s a minor issue or warrants medical attention.
Common Benign Causes
Many scalp bumps are non-cancerous and do not pose a significant health risk. Sebaceous cysts are slow-growing, harmless lumps under the skin that often appear on the scalp. These cysts form when a sebaceous gland, which produces oil to lubricate hair and skin, becomes blocked or damaged. They can feel like a round or dome-shaped bump, appearing yellow or whitish, and may contain a small dark plug.
Epidermoid cysts are a frequent type of benign scalp bump. These cysts develop from epidermal cells that get trapped underneath the skin’s surface. They are slow-growing, painless, and can feel soft or rubbery. Epidermoid cysts often occur around hair follicles.
Lipomas are soft, doughy, non-cancerous fatty growths that can appear on the scalp. They are painless and move easily when touched. These lumps are slow-growing collections of fat cells.
Folliculitis involves inflammation of hair follicles on the scalp, often presenting as small, itchy, red bumps or pustules. This condition can be caused by bacterial or fungal infections or ingrown hairs. The bumps may become sore and crusted.
Trauma can also result in temporary bumps or swelling. These can range from a simple bruise to a more pronounced swelling. Insect bites may also cause localized, itchy, and sometimes red bumps on the scalp. These reactions are temporary and resolve on their own.
Other Potential Causes
Beyond common benign conditions, other causes can lead to scalp bumps. Skin tags are small, soft, flesh-colored growths. They are generally harmless but can occur on the scalp, particularly where skin rubs together. While usually painless, they may become irritated if caught by combs or clothing.
Osteomas are benign bone tumors that form as hard, bony outgrowths on the skull. These slow-growing lumps are usually asymptomatic, meaning they do not cause pain or other issues. However, depending on their size and location, they can lead to headaches or other symptoms if they press on surrounding structures.
Some scalp bumps can indicate more serious conditions, such as skin cancers. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most common type, often appears on sun-exposed areas like the scalp. It can present as a shiny, pearly bump, a red patch that bleeds or crusts, or a sore that does not heal. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the second most common type, may manifest as a firm, red bump, a scaly patch that crusts or bleeds, or an open sore. Melanoma, while less common, is a more aggressive form of skin cancer that can develop on the scalp and may appear as a new or changing mole, often dark, with irregular borders or varying shades.
Infections, beyond common folliculitis, can also cause scalp bumps. Fungal infections like tinea capitis, also known as scalp ringworm, can lead to scaly, itchy patches with hair loss or pus-filled sores. Bacterial infections, such as impetigo, can cause red sores that burst and form a yellow-brown crust. These infections often require antimicrobial treatments.
When to Consult a Doctor
Consult a doctor for a scalp bump if you observe specific warning signs. If the bump is painful, tender to the touch, or causes discomfort, it warrants a doctor’s visit. Bleeding from the bump, especially if it occurs spontaneously or with minimal trauma, is another concerning symptom.
A bump that rapidly changes in size, shape, or color warrants medical attention. Changes in texture, such as becoming harder or developing an irregular surface, are also important to note. If the bump is accompanied by systemic symptoms like fever, chills, or unexplained weight loss, this could indicate an underlying infection or other serious condition.
The presence of pus, foul-smelling discharge, or redness and warmth around the bump suggests an infection that may require antibiotics or other targeted treatments. Any bump that is persistent and does not resolve within a few weeks should be evaluated. Consulting a healthcare provider ensures an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management plan.
What to Expect at the Doctor’s Visit
When you consult a doctor about a scalp bump, the visit begins with a thorough discussion of your medical history and the bump’s characteristics. The doctor will ask when you first noticed it, if it has changed, and if you have any associated symptoms like pain, itching, or discharge. They will also inquire about any recent injuries or other health conditions.
Following the discussion, a physical examination of the scalp bump will be performed. The doctor will inspect its size, shape, color, and texture, and will feel the area to assess its consistency and mobility. They may also check nearby lymph nodes for swelling, which can indicate an infection or other systemic issue.
Depending on the initial assessment, the doctor may recommend further diagnostic tests. A common procedure is a biopsy, where a small tissue sample from the bump is removed for microscopic examination. This helps determine the nature of the cells and can confirm or rule out conditions like cysts, lipomas, or skin cancer. Imaging studies like an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI might be ordered if the doctor suspects the bump is deeper or involves bone. Treatment approaches vary based on the diagnosis, ranging from observation for harmless bumps to medication for infections or surgical removal for symptomatic or concerning lesions.