lump on head

i have a hard lump on my head a bit smaller than a dime and about 1/8inch high.  it is sore at times, and gives me headaches.  if i press down on it it stays down for a bit but swells back up.  any ideas??

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
This kind of bump can be a swollen lymph node,a sebaceous cyst or a boil. Lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes) is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection along with other numerous causes.Treatment is usually cold compresses,over the counter anti-inflammatory analgesics(pain killers) like acetaminophen or ibuprofen,antibiotics if cause of infection is suspected to be a bacteria and surgical drainage if there is any abscess formation.

Sebaceous cyst is a closed sac or cyst below the surface of the skin that has a lining that resembles the uppermost part (infundibulum) of a hair follicle and fills with a fatty white, semi-solid material called sebum produced by sebaceous glands of the epidermis.It is usually painless but can become painful if infected.Then antibiotics are needed.

Boils are caused by infection of the hair follicle be staph aureus.Treatment includes antibiotics.

I sincerely suggest a dermatologist’s evaluation for the same.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts.Kind regards.