lumps on head

[risp]

I developed swollen glands and lymph nodes in the normal places such as my neck and back of head, behind the ears. But now I have them all over the left side of my head and on the crown of my head. They are really painful, actually, I feel like the swelling of them is causing pain at the hair follicles. I went to an urgent care because they seem to be getting worse and they had no clue what it could be, but they gave me treatment medicine for a severe sinus infection. Is this the cause of this? Or could it be something serious? No one else has ever heard of it and I can't take the pain much more. What kind of specialist would I see---my primary care physician, a dermatologist, or ear nose and throat doc????

[Dennis MD]

Hi.
It's good to know that it is only psoriasis.
However, you should start treatment so that it won't get worse anymore.
Good luck.

[risp]

It's me again and I can't even believe what my doctor said!!!!! It's a form of psoriasis!!!! She looked at the problem area which has gotten worse and said that's what it is. Since I can't see it, I had no idea that it was that bad. Anyway, thanks for the help.

[Dennis MD]

Hi.
I agree with your decision to consult your primary care physician.
The scalp is a pain sensitive structure.
For the pain you are experiencing, you can take any over-the-counter pain medication like mefenamic acid or ibuprufen.  
Do keep us posted.

[risp]

Thank you for the response...I'm not sure how to characterize them....yes, it's more than one. It seems that they are all on the left side of my head, most are small, but one almost is as big as an egg, protruding enough to cup my hand around, They seem to be spreading if that is possible, or I am getting more of them. The NP gave me Levaquin for 10 days, and Xtendryl 2x's a day for 10 days. It is just extremely painful and I'm not sure what will help the pain. I have severe asthma which only developed as an adult and suffered many infections and sinus problems most of my life. I have an appointment with my PCD Monday, but I just thought it was really strange that no one has ever seem anything like this.....Hopefully I can find someone who may be farmiliar with it or my PCD can tell me. Thank you again....

[Dennis MD]

Hi.
How would you characterize the lumps?  Are they fluctuant? Fixed? Erythematous?
The tender and swollen lump on your head could be due to scalp abscess.  Antibiotic should be started in order for the infection to be controlled.  Also, there may be a need to do drainage of the abscess (if present).
Other considerations for lumps on the head include sebaceous cyst, lipoma, and hemangioma.
It would be best to consult your primary care physician for proper evaluation and management.
Good luck.