A raised lump on the scalp that is painful to touch, without redness or swelling.

Jun 01, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wan
Introduction
A painful lump on the scalp that hurts when touched, but without redness or swelling, may be related to trauma, furuncle (boil), or sebaceous cyst. It can be improved with cold compresses, surgery, or medication. Besides these causes, it could also result from lipoma, folliculitis, or subperiosteal hematoma. If any discomfort occurs, one should promptly visit a hospital for examination and accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause.

A painful lump on the scalp that hurts when touched, but without redness or swelling, may be related to trauma, furuncles (boils), or sebaceous cysts. Symptoms can be improved through cold compresses, surgery, or medication. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Trauma

If the scalp has been struck by a hard object recently, local mucosal tissue may become damaged, resulting in a raised lump accompanied by tenderness upon pressure. It is advisable to promptly apply a cold towel for local ice compression to reduce swelling.

2. Sebaceous cyst

This is a common benign skin lesion. Gradual accumulation of sebum in the scalp leads to cyst formation. The cyst may protrude from the skin surface and usually causes no discomfort. However, if secondary infection occurs, pain and pus formation may develop. Surgical excision is recommended after medical consultation to promote recovery.

3. Furuncle (Boil)

This is an acute suppurative inflammation. When bacteria invade hair follicles and sebaceous glands, an inflammatory response is triggered, causing a lump. In the early stage, there may be no redness or swelling. Treatment should follow medical advice and may include medications such as doxycycline hydrochloride dispersible tablets, minocycline hydrochloride capsules, or clindamycin hydrochloride capsules.

Besides the above-mentioned causes, such lumps may also result from lipoma, folliculitis, or subperiosteal hematoma. If any bodily discomfort occurs, timely medical evaluation is necessary to determine the exact cause and select appropriate treatment to facilitate recovery.

Related Articles

View All