Do you feel a bump on your head without knowing what’s causing it?
There are many causes of this tiny swelling—it can either result from a scalp disorder or a telling sign of another health condition, such as a head injury or cancer.
While most bumps typically go away, you can find solutions through medications and home remedies.
Knowing what’s causing this inflammation is essential so you can find the best treatment and prevent it from getting worse.
Bumps you can treat at home
As mentioned, bumps you feel in your head can result from mild conditions that can be treated at home.
Folliculitis
A typical scalp infection, folliculitis develops in the hair follicles. The disorder occurs once a bacteria penetrates damaged strands caused by plucking, wearing tight headgear, and frequent hot baths.
Its symptoms are the same as acne on the scalp, causing inflamed and raised bumps. These patches can also be itchy and uncomfortable.
This condition typically goes away in days as soon as the hair follicles heal. However, you can relieve the bumps by applying a cold compress to the area.
You can also use aloe vera to help the skin heal faster. This wonder plant also cools down your scalp and relieves it from itchiness and irritation.
Eczema
Eczema is a common skin problem that also develops on the scalp. It causes the scalp to be flaky and swollen, with redness and scaling in most parts.
This condition has no cure and can flare up due to triggers such as a change in weather, allergies, and unhealthy habits.
If you have eczema, you can reduce its symptoms, such as inflammation and swelling, using apple cider vinegar.
This remedy has anti-inflammatory properties that can alleviate the swelling. It also relieves an itchy scalp and eliminates dandruff.
Head lice
Bumps on the head can also be a result of lice. While itchiness may be a common symptom of having these hair parasites, developing lumps in parts of your head is also an indication.
Olive oil can suffocate and kill lice. It prevents the parasites from returning while making your hair healthier and moisturized. Olive oil also works best if you pair it with anise oil which also has the same benefit.
Bumps that need medical treatment
While you can find easy solutions from your kitchen counter, some conditions require a visit to the doctor.
Depending on their severity, these bumps need certain medications to go away or even surgeries.
Pilar cysts
Pilar cysts are large and smooth tumors that appear on the scalp. They develop in your hair follicles and can grow in different parts of your head.
While these cysts are noncancerous, you may need to go to your healthcare provider to have them checked to avoid infection.
Your physician can prescribe you an antibiotic or surgery if the cyst keeps growing despite medication.
Hematoma
If your head bumps into a hard surface and produces a lump that becomes instantly swollen and painful, you may have developed a hematoma.
A hematoma is considered a severe bruise caused by an injury. This condition gathers blood under your skin, making the surface saggy and lumpy.
If you get hit badly, the hematoma may become enlarged. It may put your health at severe risk if you forego immediate treatment.
It is crucial to have yourself checked through diagnostic procedures to check your condition and find the correct solution to alleviate the bruise.
Facial drooping and numbness can also be warning signs if the condition turns severe. Don’t wait any longer and proceed to the emergency room as soon as possible. Emergency medicine doctors are trained on how to get rid of a bump on the head from injury.
Ringworm
Ringworm, also known as tinea capitis, is a fungal disorder that can develop on the scalp. It may appear as bald patches on your head, which tend to be itchy and scaly. Sometimes, the ringworm gets inflamed and cracked.
This condition cannot be treated at home with topical creams. You have to consult your doctor for an antifungal medication which you must take for 1-3 months until it disappears.
Melanoma
Melanoma is a skin cancer that symptoms may also develop in the head.
Lumps that are flesh-colored with crusting and scaling may be symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma, while Merkel cell carcinoma may show red or violet lumps that grow fast.
If you observe smooth, pearly bumps, it may be an indication of basal cell carcinoma. The spots caused by melanoma can also change in size and shape.
If the warning signs mentioned above are present, you need to call your doctor immediately for a skin cancer assessment.
You may have to undergo surgical options to remove these cells and prevent cancer from spreading in your body.
Again, bumps in the head typically go away in a few days. However, if these bumps cause you to have a headache that is not treatable with over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen, this can be a hint that you need to go to your doctor.
Home remedies can help alleviate symptoms of itchiness and discomfort.
However, if your bumps keep worsening, you must discontinue use and seek medical treatment. A healthcare professional will know the best solution to treat any spots in your head.
