Lumps Under the Skin and When to See Your GP

Understanding what a “lump” under the skin may mean

Finding a lump under your skin can feel unsettling, particularly when the cause is unclear. Many lumps are harmless and slow-growing, while others need assessment to rule out infection, inflammation, cysts, lymph node changes, or rarer concerns. Knowing when review matters supports safety and reduces unnecessary worry.

Common harmless causes of skin lumps

Some lumps are simply blocked oil glands forming cysts. Others are soft, mobile fatty lumps known as lipomas. Some arise after an injury, bug bite, or irritation and gradually improve. These lumps often feel soft or rubbery, do not cause significant pain, and change very little over time. Even when a lump appears benign, GP review remains sensible if it is new or uncertain.

When lymph nodes are involved

Lymph nodes help your immune system respond to infection. They may swell and feel tender during illness, after inflammation, or in children recovering from viral infections. Most settle with time once health improves. However, lymph nodes that persist, feel very firm, grow steadily, or occur with unexplained symptoms such as fever, weight loss, or night sweats deserve medical assessment.

Features that need medical assessment

A lump should be checked if it is new, enlarging, painful, firm, fixed in place, ulcerating, bleeding, or associated with fever or weight loss. Lumps in the face, groin, armpit, breast, or neck particularly require review. A lump that does not settle, keeps changing, or simply does not feel right to you is worth discussing with your GP.

When infections or inflammation are involved

Some lumps come from infection beneath the skin. These can be warm, red, swollen, and painful and may be accompanied by fever or spreading redness. These situations benefit from timely medical care to prevent complications, particularly in people with diabetes or reduced immunity.

Children, older adults, and medically vulnerable people

Children can develop lumps from infection, injury, benign cysts, or swollen glands. Older adults may develop lumps for many reasons, and early assessment helps ensure safe care. People with reduced immunity, cancer treatment, organ transplant, frailty, or chronic illness should seek earlier review if a lump appears unexpectedly or worsens.

How your GP helps clarify what is happening

Your GP will ask when the lump appeared, whether it has changed, whether it hurts, and what else has been happening with your health. Examination helps determine whether reassurance, monitoring, imaging such as ultrasound, or referral is appropriate. The goal is clarity, reassurance, and safe management — not guesswork.

Do not delay urgent care

Seek urgent medical help if a lump is associated with rapidly spreading redness, severe pain, fever and worsening illness, sudden swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing.

A reassuring message

Most lumps under the skin are not dangerous. However, new, changing, painful, or uncertain lumps deserve medical review so you gain clarity and peace of mind.

This article provides general health information only and does not replace medical advice. Please speak with your GP for personalised care.