That Painful Lump on Your Neck? It Could Be an Infected Cyst or Abscess
Ever felt a tender, swollen bump on your neck that just won’t go away — and maybe even leaks pus? That could be more than just a regular pimple. You might be dealing with a neck abscess or an infected cyst, and it needs attention.
What Is a Neck Abscess or Cyst?
A cyst is a closed sac under the skin filled with fluid, pus, or dead skin. On the neck, these are often sebaceous cysts (formed from blocked oil glands) or epidermoid cysts. Most of the time, they’re harmless. But when bacteria get inside, the cyst can turn into a painful abscess — a swollen, red, and infected lump filled with pus.
What Causes It?
Some common causes include:
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Ingrown hairs or blocked hair follicles
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Injury or irritation to the skin
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Poor hygiene or touching/picking the area
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Sweat and oil buildup (especially in hot weather)
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Infections from piercings or shaving
What Does It Feel Like?
Here’s what people usually notice:
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A swollen, red lump on the neck
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Pain or tenderness, especially when touched
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Pus or foul-smelling drainage
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Skin around the lump feels warm
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Sometimes a fever or feeling sick if the infection spreads
What Should You Do?
🧴 For small, mild cysts:
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Keep the area clean and dry
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Apply warm compresses to help it shrink
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Don’t squeeze or poke it — this can make it worse
🏥 For painful or infected abscesses:
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Visit a doctor! They may:
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Drain the pus professionally
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Prescribe antibiotics to clear infection
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Recommend minor surgery to remove the cyst if it keeps coming back
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When to See a Doctor Immediately
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The lump is growing rapidly
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You have fever or chills
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The skin becomes dark, or the pus smells very bad
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Pain becomes severe
