What is lump on back of neck with puss?

Possible Causes of a Lump with Pus on the Back of the Neck

A lump with pus on the back of the neck can be a sign of a variety of underlying medical conditions, ranging from minor skin infections to more serious health issues. Some possible causes of a lump with pus on the back of the neck include:

- Boil: A boil is a common skin infection that occurs when bacteria, usually Staphylococcus aureus (staph), enters a hair follicle or oil gland and causes it to become inflamed and filled with pus. Boils can occur anywhere on the body, including the back of the neck.

- Abscess: An abscess is a collection of pus that forms in the body's tissues. It can be caused by a bacterial infection, foreign body, or injury. Abscesses can occur anywhere in the body, including the back of the neck.

- Cystic Acne: Cystic acne is a severe form of acne that occurs when the pores in the skin become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. This can lead to the formation of large, pus-filled cysts on the skin, including on the back of the neck.

- Cellulitis: Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin and underlying tissues. It can occur anywhere on the body, including the back of the neck. Cellulitis typically presents as a red, swollen, and tender area of skin that is warm to the touch and may be accompanied by fever and chills.

- Sebaceous Cyst: A sebaceous cyst is a noncancerous growth that forms when a sebaceous gland becomes blocked and filled with keratin, the protein that makes up skin, hair, and nails. Sebaceous cysts can occur anywhere on the body, including the back of the neck.

- Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that affects the apocrine sweat glands in the skin. It is characterized by the formation of painful, red, and swollen lumps in the armpits, groin, buttocks, and under the breasts. HS can also affect the back of the neck.

- Tuberculosis: Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that can affect the lungs and other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes. Swollen lymph nodes may appear as lumps on the back of the neck in people with TB.

- Lymph Node Infection: Lymph nodes are small, round glands that are part of the body's immune system. They can become infected by bacteria or viruses, leading to the formation of lumps on the back of the neck.

If you have a lump with pus on the back of your neck, it is important to see a doctor to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment. The doctor will likely examine the lump, ask about your medical history, and may order additional tests, such as a blood test or imaging study, to confirm the diagnosis and rule out more serious conditions. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the lump and may include antibiotics, incision and drainage, or surgery.