01/02/2026
๐๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ฌ ๐จ๐ง ๐ ๐๐ก๐ข๐ฅ๐โ๐ฌ ๐๐๐๐: ๐๐ก๐๐ญ ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐ก๐จ๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ ๐๐ง๐จ๐ฐ
Feeling a lump on your childโs head can be worrying for any parent. The good news is that most lumps on a childโs head are harmless, especially in young children. They are often related to normal anatomy, minor injuries, or the bodyโs response to common infections. This article explains the most common causes, how they differ, and when medical advice should be sought.
๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐จ๐ง ๐๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐๐ฌ ๐จ๐ ๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ฌ ๐จ๐ง ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐ก๐๐๐
1. Enlarged lymph nodes
Lymph nodes are small glands that play an important role in fighting infection. They are commonly felt at the back of the head, behind the ears, and along the neck. During the winter months, children tend to catch more colds, throat infections, and ear infections. In response, lymph nodes can grow in size, becoming more noticeable.
These nodes are usually:
- Soft or rubbery
- Mobile (they move slightly under the skin)
- Sometimes tender
They often reduce in size slowly over weeks after the infection settles.
2. Dermoid cysts
Dermoid cysts are benign (non-cancerous) lumps that are present from birth, although they may only become noticeable later in childhood. They are often found on the scalp or near the eyebrows.
Typical features include:
- Firm but not hard
- Painless
- Slow-growing
- Do not change with illness
Dermoid cysts are not infections and do not go away on their own. They are usually assessed by a doctor and may be removed surgically if needed.
3. Minor bumps and bruises
Young children frequently knock their heads while playing. This can cause a temporary swelling or โgoose eggโ due to bruising under the skin. These lumps usually appear suddenly after an injury and gradually reduce over days to weeks.
๐๐จ๐ฐ ๐๐๐ง ๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ฌ ๐ญ๐๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ข๐๐๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐๐?
While it is not always possible to be certain, some general clues can help:
- Changes with illness suggest lymph nodes
-Present for months without change may suggest a cyst
- Sudden appearance after a knock points towards a bruise
Location, texture, tenderness, and whether the lump moves under the skin are all useful observations.
๐๐ก๐๐ง ๐ฌ๐ก๐จ๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ ๐ฌ๐๐๐ค ๐ฆ๐๐๐ข๐๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐ฏ๐ข๐๐?
You should arrange a medical review if:
- The lump is hard, fixed, or rapidly growing
- It continues to enlarge over time
- It is associated with persistent fever, weight loss, or lethargy
- The skin over the lump becomes red, hot, or painful
- You are unsure or worried
๐ผ ๐ง๐๐๐จ๐จ๐ช๐ง๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ฃ๐ค๐ฉ๐
In winter especially, enlarged lymph nodes are very common and usually reflect a healthy immune response. Nevertheless, no concern is too small to discuss. If you are worried about a lump on your childโs head, your healthcare provider can assess it and offer reassurance or further investigation if needed.