Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentPrognosisFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prognosis
Frequently Asked Questions
When there isa bump on your head, it can affect you in many ways. Some bumps can be on the bone, under the skin, or on the skin. The diagnosis and treatment depend on the type and severity of the bump.
Learn more about what causes bumps on the head and how to treat them.
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When to See a DoctorThere are many reasons for having a bump on the head, and some situations are more serious than others. See a doctor if the bump is:BleedingPainfulNot improvingThey will give you a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
When to See a Doctor
There are many reasons for having a bump on the head, and some situations are more serious than others. See a doctor if the bump is:BleedingPainfulNot improvingThey will give you a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
There are many reasons for having a bump on the head, and some situations are more serious than others. See a doctor if the bump is:
They will give you a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
There are various causes for bumps on the head, which are outlined below.
Head Trauma
When an individual has aheadinjury, it is considered trauma to the head. This can range from a minor bump to a serious injury.
The injuries include:
The causes of head trauma include:
When head trauma occurs, it could cause bleeding and bruising internally, showing no external symptoms. A bump or bruise may also occur in plain view.
If there is any type of bump or injury on the head, it is important to see a healthcare provider to ensure that the head is healthy. Although the head may feel and look fine, there could be internal swelling and bleeding.
Ingrown Hair
Ingrown hairs are very common.
When ingrown hair occurs, it can cause:
Other symptoms include small bumps on the face and neck with hairs in the middle. Sometimes these bumps have pus in them.
To prevent ingrown hairs when shaving, use warm water, shaving cream, or gel. It is helpful to use a single-blade razor and change the blade as it dulls. Another option is to use laser or chemical hair removal techniques.
Check with a healthcare provider for any questions concerning proper hair removal techniques and options.
Cysts
Cysts can develop in different areas of the body and organs, including the head.
Acystis a closed sac, and the size and location depend on the type. Types of cysts include:
Tumors
There are a variety of tumors, and certain tumors cause bumps on the head.
Tumors can be:
Depending on the growth of the tumor or type, it may not cause an external bump right away. The following are general symptoms ofbrain tumors:
Seborrheic Keratosis
Seborrheic keratosisis a skin growth that typically looks like a wart. The condition typically starts as small, rough bumps, and develops into a warty surface. The growths can form on the scalp, neck, and face.
This growth is common with individuals who are older or middle-aged. Seborrheic keratosis is known to be genetic and due to excessive sun exposure. The growths are not contagious, although they can multiply and spread to other parts of the body.
Types of Seborrheic Keratosis Treatment
Dermatitis
Dermatitisis a skin condition that means “inflammation of the skin."
Dermatitis is not contagious.
When a person has this skin condition, some of the first signs are itchiness and redness. Other symptoms include dry skin, fluid-filled blisters, and painful ulcers.
Treatment options include:
Other treatments include medicated moisturizers or oral medication. Speak to a healthcare provider regarding prescribed treatment options.
Bone Spur
Abone spuris a bony and smooth lump that grows off the bone. They are known to develop nearthe joints where two bones meet. This condition is also called an osteophyte.
People more than 60 years old are the common population that experiences bone spurs. They can appear anywhere on the body, including the back of the head and neck. Some people have bone spurs without realizing it.
The biggest cause of a bone spur is joint damage due toosteoarthritis(OA). This can happen due to injury or natural aging.
When the spurs put pressure on nerves that are close, it will restrict movement due to pain and rub against the tissues or bones. People may experience:
If these do not work, physical therapy, prescription pain medication, or surgery could be an option.
When there is a head bump or a type of injury, a healthcare provider will run different tests for a diagnosis. The healthcare provider will typically start with a reviewing medical history, a physical exam, and running diagnostic tests.
Some of the tests will possibly include the following:
Depending on the condition and seriousness, treatments vary.
If the bumps are due to a skin condition, in general, treatments can range from an over-the-counter ointment to a prescribed medicine. Depending on the severity, a medical procedure is also an option.
If the bump is due to a head or bone injury—depending on the type of injury and severity—a medical professional can make the best determination regarding treatments.
Since there are different causes for bumps on the head, the prognosis can vary.
When should you worry about a bump on the head?
It depends on the type and severity of the bump on the head. If you experience any of the below symptoms, see a healthcare provider:
How long is it safe to sleep after getting a bump on the head?
Generally, both adults and childrencan safely sleep after a concussion once they have visited their healthcare provider or an emergency room.
Depending on the severity of your concussion, your healthcare provider may advise an adult to stay with the injured person while they sleep for the first 12 to 24 hours.
They may advise waking the person every two to three hours to check their mental status with a simple question (such as asking their name) and checking for other changes.Then, the injured person can return to sleep. Ask the healthcare provider how long this should continue. They may also not advise waking the person.
Summary
If you have a bump on the head or scalp and you have concerns, don’t hesitate to call a healthcare provider. In addition, if you bump your head or have an injury, go to a healthcare provider to make sure your head is not injured internally.
10 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Head injury.Cleveland Clinic.Ingrown hair.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD).Cysts.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Seborrheic keratosis: overview.Cleveland Clinic.Dermatitis.Cleveland Clinic.Bone spurs (osteophytes).John Hopkins Medicine.Head injury.MedlinePlus.Concussion in children—discharge.MedlinePlus.Concussion in adults—discharge.Cleveland Clinic.Is it safe to sleep after a concussion?
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Head injury.Cleveland Clinic.Ingrown hair.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD).Cysts.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Seborrheic keratosis: overview.Cleveland Clinic.Dermatitis.Cleveland Clinic.Bone spurs (osteophytes).John Hopkins Medicine.Head injury.MedlinePlus.Concussion in children—discharge.MedlinePlus.Concussion in adults—discharge.Cleveland Clinic.Is it safe to sleep after a concussion?
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MedlinePlus.Head injury.Cleveland Clinic.Ingrown hair.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD).Cysts.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Seborrheic keratosis: overview.Cleveland Clinic.Dermatitis.Cleveland Clinic.Bone spurs (osteophytes).John Hopkins Medicine.Head injury.MedlinePlus.Concussion in children—discharge.MedlinePlus.Concussion in adults—discharge.Cleveland Clinic.Is it safe to sleep after a concussion?
MedlinePlus.Head injury.
Cleveland Clinic.Ingrown hair.
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD).Cysts.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Seborrheic keratosis: overview.
Cleveland Clinic.Dermatitis.
Cleveland Clinic.Bone spurs (osteophytes).
John Hopkins Medicine.Head injury.
MedlinePlus.Concussion in children—discharge.
MedlinePlus.Concussion in adults—discharge.
Cleveland Clinic.Is it safe to sleep after a concussion?
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