lumps on the back of the head

[dilly_bean]

I don't know if this falls under dermatology, but:
my partner has these lumps that have begun to form on the back of her head. She is 25 years old.
One is oblong, about half the size of a thumb, and doesn't protrude so much as it lies flat on the head. Another is smaller and has grown within the last week. They don't hurt and they're the same color as the color of her scalp. They're hard, not soft, and they don't really move around when you touch them. Oh, and lastly, she didn't bump the back of her head.

I hope that this is just a common thing, i'm starting to think she should get an MRI.

[mimi244]

my bumps are getting bigger.  my scalp also itches constantly. scratching constantly. see  a dermatologist today.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination, but it can be due to Acne keloidalis nuchae. It occurs when hairs on the back of the head and neck grow into the skin, become inflamed, and cause scar tissue. These ingrown hairs usually occur following a short haircut on the back of the head and nape of the neck.

Treatment of AKN includes suppression of the inflammation with antibiotics and steroid gels or intralesional steroid injections. So apply antibiotic cream like Neosporin or bactroban. If the symptoms persist then oral antibiotics and steroids may be needed. Please consult a dermatologist in that case.

Larger bumps of AKN present for a while or if not responding to treatments may need surgical removal.
I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.