Concerns About Unusual Skull Lumps
Hello! I'm approximately 5'5" tall, weigh 67kg, and I'm an 18-year-old female (turning 19 on March 6th). For the past few weeks, I've been experiencing an odd, predominantly firm bump on the left side of my skull, situated in an area where hair typically grows, close to my lower ear. When I apply pressure to it, the lump seems to shift slightly, though I'm not entirely certain about that. Last night (March 4th), I also discovered a similar lump located behind my ear, aligned with the beginning of my ear canal but positioned higher. It's not on my ear itself, but rather right next to it. This morning, I detected another lump at the point where my tragus begins, and it’s the only one that causes discomfort upon pressing; I feel pain radiating inside my ear. I should mention that I've been dealing with a couple of peculiar, itchy lumps on the same side, which resemble hives to me, though I'm nearly positive they are not hives. I've had these for some time due to various injuries. Additionally, on February 2nd, I experienced an allergic reaction to PPD (a component in hair dye), which lasted about a week and caused significant itchiness; that was my initial reaction to it. Could anyone provide insights into what these lumps might be or whether it would be wise for me to seek medical advice? Thank you!
Answers (1)
3/5/2026, 2:20:36 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re experiencing some unusual lumps on your scalp and near your ear, along with some discomfort. These lumps can have various causes, such as swollen lymph nodes, cysts, or reactions to past injuries and allergic reactions. Given your recent history with an allergic reaction to hair dye (PPD), it’s possible that these bumps could be related to skin irritation or inflammation.
Key Points:
- The lumps could be swollen glands or localized skin reactions.
- The pain and discomfort near your ear are noteworthy and could indicate inflammation or infection.
- Monitoring these lumps and any accompanying symptoms is essential for understanding their nature.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on the lumps and note any changes in size, color, or tenderness. Consider observing if there’s any additional swelling, redness, or warmth in the area.
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Symptom Diary: Document any new symptoms such as fever, chills, or a general feeling of being unwell, as these could indicate an infection.
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Avoid Irritants: Given your history of allergic reactions, avoid applying any new products to your hair or scalp that could exacerbate the irritation.
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Pain Management: For the discomfort in your ear, you might consider using over-the-counter pain relief like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, following label instructions for dosage.
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Seek Medical Advice: If the lumps don’t improve within a week, increase in size, if you develop a fever, or if the pain worsens, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional. They can perform a thorough examination and recommend appropriate treatments.
Your health is important, and addressing these concerns with a medical professional is wise if they persist. Please take care and monitor your situation closely!
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