Red bumps on my neck/arm?

I could really use some help if anyone can give me a quick idea of what I’m dealing with. I need to figure this out before my family doctor opens tomorrow morning. So, here's the deal: on my shoulder—specifically at that joint where the arm connects, I honestly don't know the medical term for it—about six months ago, I noticed this tiny, barely there little bump. It was nothing to worry about. But over the last three weeks, things have changed fast. In just two days, it went from being unnoticeable to growing nearly 3 cm! It's red now, feels soft to the touch, and it’s a bit painful—not excruciating, but definitely noticeable. Plus, it looks like it has a little head on it, almost like it's about to burst or drain. Does anyone have any insight into what this might be? I’m a bit of a worrier, and I’d love to actually get some sleep tonight without spiraling.

hiddenridge12 said:I really need some help here if anyone can give me an idea of what's going on. I’m planning to head into my family doctor's office tomorrow morning, but I'm spiraling right now. About six months ago, I noticed this tiny, barely there bump on my shoulder—specifically at the joint where the arm meets the shoulder. For the last three weeks, it hasn't been subtle at all; in just two days, it ballooned up to nearly an inch wide. It's red, soft to the touch, and pretty sore, though not excruciating. It actually looks like it might be about to burst or leak something. Does anyone have any clue what this could be? I'm a total worrier and I honestly don't think I'll get any sleep tonight until I know something.

It could be a lipoma, or maybe you've got an inflamed sebaceous cyst. Whatever it is, do NOT try to squeeze it yourself!

Angela Wright said:It could just be a little blemish, or maybe one of those pesky oil glands got inflamed. Whatever you do, please don't try to pick at it yourself!

Oh, I definitely won't be picking at it... I did a little digging online and yeah, that sounds like what might be going on. I was actually thinking about heading to the doctor today, but honestly, between the endless news cycle and all this political election madness, my head is spinning. I'll just try to manage. Thanks so much!

I’ve got a sebaceous cyst that's gone totally inflamed on me. I started on some antibiotics, but honestly, the lump itself has developed this awful smell by now. It’s pretty gross. I need to check in with my doctor, and I'm assuming they'll probably just send me in to have it drained or cleaned out. I'm not entirely sure what the next step is, but yeah, the odor is just terrible. Ugh.

hiddenridge12 said:An oil gland got infected. I'm on antibiotics right now... but honestly, the lump already smells terrible. I have to check in with my doctor, so they'll probably send me in to have it drained. I'm not entirely sure how it works, but basically, it smells awful. Gross.

How embarrassing.😢
They'll likely just use a sterile needle to drain the fluid. You'll be back to normal in a day or two.