Not everything has a quick fix. Sometimes the kindest thing we can do for ourselves is to give it time, get good advice and let healing happen at its own pace.
This photo shows a woman tilting her head back so the side of her neck is visible. Just under the jaw there is a red, tight swelling with a small crusted head near its centre.
A lump in this spot is most often an inflamed cyst. The skin under the jaw has many oil glands and hair follicles, and when one becomes blocked a sac of keratin can slowly form.
Friction from collars, shaving and leaning the chin on the hand can irritate the area, and sweat and skin products can build up in the folds of the neck and make blockages more likely.
When the cyst becomes inflamed it grows quickly, feels warm and sore, and turning the head or swallowing can become uncomfortable.
