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Painful Lump On The Neck Below The Ear Growing In Size
Question: Hello, on the left side of my neck approx. 2 inches below my ear I have a bump. It was small but over the weekend it has grown 3 times in size and is painful when you press on it. It is not red. It is so large I keep my hair down. I did have a fat deposit the size of a quarter on my leg a while ago. I have been under a great deal of stress. I am approx 5 feet 1 inch and weigh 100 pounds
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
A lump on the neck below the ear which is gradually increasing and is painful is likely to be due to an infection- it can be a lymph node swelling or an abscess.
Skin abscesses are normally caused due to inflammatory reaction to an infection like bacteria or parasite. Abscesses may develop because of obstructed sebaceous or sweat glands, inflammation of hair follicles.
You can apply warm compresses to the area for about 30 minutes, four times daily.
You also need systemic antibiotics and drainage of the abscess if there is pus inside. Please consult your physician for an appropriate treatment.
Hope this answers your query. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Rakhi Tayal.
Thanks for posting your query.
A lump on the neck below the ear which is gradually increasing and is painful is likely to be due to an infection- it can be a lymph node swelling or an abscess.
Skin abscesses are normally caused due to inflammatory reaction to an infection like bacteria or parasite. Abscesses may develop because of obstructed sebaceous or sweat glands, inflammation of hair follicles.
You can apply warm compresses to the area for about 30 minutes, four times daily.
You also need systemic antibiotics and drainage of the abscess if there is pus inside. Please consult your physician for an appropriate treatment.
Hope this answers your query. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Rakhi Tayal.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hello Dr. Thank you for being so prompt. What concerned me is that it grew so large over night. It is only painful when you press on it. Usually with cysts isn't it red and painful all the time? Thank you
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
Since the swelling is progressive, infective cause is likely. It is not a very serious condition but in case the pain and swelling increases along with fever, then systemic antibiotics are necessary after a physician consultation.
You can do a hot fomentation meanwhile and see if it improves.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.
Thanks for writing again.
Since the swelling is progressive, infective cause is likely. It is not a very serious condition but in case the pain and swelling increases along with fever, then systemic antibiotics are necessary after a physician consultation.
You can do a hot fomentation meanwhile and see if it improves.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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