Bump under scalp

[rongr]

Hello, I have had these bumps under my scalp for years, cannot even remember how long I have had them.  They move back and forth when I put my fingers on them, they get a tiny bit bigger every year and seem to be migrating to the top of my head.  I had my doctor look at them a few times over the past year and said they were nothing to be concerned with, something about it just being like an internal pimple where the body deposits junk and stuff, said if they removed it would have to be drained and be messy.  

Last night, I was rubbing my head and ran over the top one and it was tender, hurt slightly when I touched it.  Then I pushed it just a little and it exploded inside my scalp.  It basically felt like I popped a zit, but this one was just inside the skin, if that makes sense.  

Ever since then my head has been hurting right around that area, even giving me a headache of sorts but nothing that is horrible, I have not even needed any Advil or anything, just annoying.  I can feel it like it is just throbbing.  My concern is if it was infected and it popped, which it did indeed pop, where will that go, do I need to contact my doctor, should I be concerned or will it be absorbed?

Please help as this is very upsetting and I am worried about an infection that can go to other parts of my head or body

Thank you

Rongr

[Smiley5150]

Sounds like sebaceous cysts. They are harmless collection of sebum and fluids usually not infections materials.  It sounds like it opened internally as you manipulated it.  The body should absorb the contents without problems but you have a lot of nerves inside the scalp area that is probably why your feeling the tenderness.

[Pantx]

Hi I agree with JD1963 its either Epidermal Inclusion cysts or Cycstic Acne. I also agree to watch it for infection. If it becomes incredibly painful you may need to see a doctor. You can put a warm compress over it. Keep your hair and scalp as clean as possible until that tender area goes away. A dermatologist should be able to help you get those cleared up so you don't keep hurting

[JD1963]

Hello Rongr, Sorry to hear of your concerns. The "bumps" your physician was probably referring to are known as Epidermal Inclusion Cysts. These normally begin development at a hair follicle. You may have Gardner's Syndrome, you can Google that for the full explanation. I (Surgical First Assistant) have removed thousands (25+ years) of these cysts right in the office. They are (I would guess 97%) benign, the definitive answer coming from Pathology. There have been cases (just a couple to my knowledge) where they did become malignant. As far as the ruptured one, I would just keep a close eye on it for any signs of infection, otherwise you were correct in saying the body will absorb the contents over time. Please be careful of some of the "advice" you receive over the internet, always consult a physician! If you have any other questions/ concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me. I am normally in the Orthopedic Community where I am the Leader there. Have a great day!  JD1963

[Caryopteris]

Well that doctor wasn't very helpful, was he?

Would you say you have oily skin?  

You can try Nizoral shampoo for these.  

Another way to go is to rinse your hair every day after shampooing with Bragg's apple cider vinegar.  Put it in a squirt bottle.  You can dilute it a little if it causes any burning, but full strength is fine.  Then rinse.  You may need to flip your hair upside down in the shower to get the vinegar in and then rinsed out, especially if your hair is thick.  

If there is any dryness of the scalp, then you could alternate between the Nizoral shampoo and Dr. Bronner's Baby Mild Castille soap.  After using this it is very important to use the special vinegar as you need it to get the cuticles on your hair to lay flat again and look smooth.  

You can improve this a lot if you find what your scalp needs.  

Consider your diet and any foods that may be a problem, such as milk, soy, nuts, fruits, whatever you may be allergic to.