A hard lump has grown, but it doesn't hurt or itch. What's the matter, and what should I do?
Nov 08, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
In general, a hard lump that is not painful or itchy may be caused by insect bites, skin injuries, lipomas, epidermoid cysts, sebaceous cysts, or other reasons, and different situations require different treatments. If you develop a hard lump that is not painful or itchy, avoid squeezing or treating it by yourself to prevent infection or worsening of the condition.
Generally, the appearance of a hard, painless, and non-itchy lump may be caused by insect bites, skin injuries, lipomas, epidermoid cysts, sebaceous cysts, and other conditions, which require different treatments depending on the specific circumstances.
1. Insect bites: Some insects inject saliva into the skin upon biting, and the components in the saliva may trigger an immune reaction, leading to the formation of a hard lump on the skin. If the body is not particularly sensitive to certain substances in the insect saliva, there may be no pain or itching. It is recommended to wash the bitten area with soap and water to relieve skin discomfort.
2. Skin injury: When the skin is damaged by burns, cuts, surgery, or other injuries, excessive deposition of collagen during the healing process may result in keloid scars. It is recommended to use medications such as halometasone cream or silicone gel under a doctor's guidance to inhibit scar proliferation.
3. Lipoma: A lipoma is a common benign tumor formed by abnormal proliferation of fat cells. It often presents as a soft and elastic mass, although some lipomas may feel relatively firm. Smaller lipomas usually require no treatment. However, if the lipoma is large and compresses nerves, causing pain, numbness, or other symptoms, surgical removal may be considered.
4. Epidermoid cyst: This type of cyst forms when epidermal cells become implanted into the subcutaneous tissue, presenting as a round or oval-shaped lump with a firm texture. Small epidermoid cysts may not require treatment. However, if the cyst is large or becomes infected or painful, surgical excision should be performed.
5. Sebaceous cyst: This is a retention cyst formed when the duct of a sebaceous gland becomes blocked, causing gradual expansion of the cyst's contents within the sac-like epithelial lining. Uninfected sebaceous cysts can be surgically removed. If infection is present, anti-inflammatory medications such as amoxicillin capsules or cefaclor capsules should be used according to medical advice before surgery.
If a hard, painless, and non-itchy lump appears on the body, avoid squeezing or attempting to treat it yourself, as this may lead to infection or worsen the condition.
