Every storm passes eventually. When things feel heavy, remember there is always light after the storm.
This photo shows an older man with grey hair and a large, red, swollen lump on the side of his neck, just below and behind the ear.
It is most likely an inflamed cyst. These form when a follicle in the skin gets blocked and slowly fills with keratin over time.
Collars, beard hair and sweat can all irritate the skin on the neck, which can make a small cyst swell and become red.
As it grows, the skin over it stretches tight and shiny, and turning the head can feel stiff and uncomfortable.
A doctor will examine the lump and the area around it, because swellings on the neck should always be checked properly.
If it is a cyst, it can be numbed, opened and drained, and the sac can be removed so the lump does not keep coming back.
The area is then cleaned and dressed, and it heals best when it is kept dry and not rubbed by tight collars.
Washing the neck daily, keeping beard lines clean and getting new lumps checked early all help prevent cysts like this.
There is always light after the storm, and help is close by. The videos below show neck cysts being treated by professionals.
