When something unexpected shows up, keep the faith. Most problems can be handled well once we stop worrying and get the right help.
This photo shows a man with a round, red swelling on the side of his neck, just below the ear. The skin over it is tight and shiny, with a small crusted head.
A lump like this is often an epidermoid cyst. It forms when a follicle in the skin becomes blocked and a small sac fills with keratin over weeks or months.
The neck is a common place for cysts in men, because shaving, collars and sweat can irritate the follicles and block them.
Once it becomes inflamed, the cyst can grow quickly, feel sore when turning the head and rub against shirt collars during the day.
