Lymph nodes are minor kidney or oval shaped glands in the lymphatic arrangement that play an important role in the body'due south immune response. They filter out leaner and other invaders before these pathogens can return to the bloodstream.

Lymph nodes exist throughout the body, including in the back expanse of the skull, which is called the occipital region. Doctors refer to nodes in this area as occipital lymph nodes.

Almost of the time, people may not detect their occipital lymph nodes. When they are normal in size, they are difficult to detect.

However, if the occipital lymph nodes are fighting off an illness or infection, they may become bigger. A person may be able to encounter and experience them, and they may be painful or tender to the affect.

Unremarkably, if only the occipital lymph nodes become swollen, it means that a person has some kind of infection or inflammation on their head or scalp.

In this article, we look at the causes of bloated occipital lymph nodes, when to meet a md, and treatment options.

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Bacterial infections, psoriasis, and ringworm can cause swelling of the occipital lymph nodes.

A multifariousness of pare infections tin can affect the scalp, which can cause the occipital lymph nodes to swell. In rare cases, the swelling of these lymph nodes tin can be a sign of cancer.

The nigh common causes of bloated occipital lymph nodes include:

Bacterial infections

If a person has an open cut or wound on their scalp, leaner may enter the skin and cause an infection. They can do this, for example, if a person scratches and breaks the skin or hits their head on something and cuts the scalp.

Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes leaner cause the majority of skin infections. The occipital lymph nodes may swell as they collect the leaner. Other signs of a skin infection include:

  • redness effectually the injury
  • swelling, pain, or warmth
  • ruddy streaks in the skin
  • yellow drainage or chaff
  • blister-like sores
  • fever

Some modest peel infections may go away with at-domicile care, which may involve cleaning the site of infection regularly and using an antibiotic skin ointment.

However, some peel infections can become serious. A person should see a doctor if they have signs and symptoms of an infection that practise not get better within 2–3 days.

Head lice

Head lice are tiny insects that attach to human being hair and bite the scalp. They spread easily, unremarkably through directly contact with the pilus of someone who has caput lice.

If a person gets head lice, they may detect intense itching of the scalp. Excessive scratching may cause open up sores and a bacterial infection, which can lead to bloated lymph nodes.

To determine whether lice are present, a person should look for tiny insects or their eggs (nits) in the hair and scalp. They ofttimes prove upwardly behind the ears and at the nape of the neck. Lice can range in color from low-cal tan to blackness.

Nigh cases of lice respond well to over-the-counter medications. A doctor can provide data most safe and effective handling options.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune status that causes the peel to renew itself as well quickly. This accelerated process results in a buildup of skin cells that can cause itchy and painful red scales and patches.

Psoriasis usually affects the scalp, but it as well occurs in other areas of the torso, including the face, feet, and skin folds.

Co-ordinate to the Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance, psoriasis on the scalp can cause swollen lymph nodes if the person also has a bacterial or yeast infection on the scalp.

At that place is no cure for psoriasis, merely many different medications are bachelor to treat it. A person should work with their doctor to observe the all-time treatment to help control the symptoms.

If a person notices bloated lymph nodes, they should see a doctor to check for an infection.

Ringworm

Ringworm is a highly contagious fungal infection. When information technology affects the scalp, information technology is called tinea capitis. Tinea capitis can cause swelling of the occipital lymph nodes. Other signs of ringworm on the scalp include:

  • ane or more bald patches on the scalp
  • a ring-like rash
  • itching

Ringworm on the scalp unremarkably requires a prescription oral antifungal handling for one–iii months, according to the Centers for Illness Control and Prevention (CDC).

Rubella (German measles)

Rubella is a contagious affliction that occurs due to a virus. The rubella vaccine has dramatically decreased the number of cases in the United States to fewer than x people per year, co-ordinate to the CDC. All the same, information technology is more mutual in other areas of the world.

Rubella can cause bloated lymph nodes in the caput and cervix, including the occipital nodes. Other symptoms of rubella include:

  • depression form fever
  • coughing
  • sore throat
  • headache
  • runny olfactory organ
  • measles-like rash that appears on the face then spreads

Near people who get rubella will have mild symptoms. Yet, information technology can cause serious harm to an unborn baby. Due to this, pregnant women should become the rubella vaccine, and they should talk to a physician if they call up that they may take come into contact with a person with rubella.

Melanoma

This skin cancer can affect whatever expanse of the body, including the scalp. If it does affect the scalp, the occipital lymph nodes may swell every bit they try to filter out cancer cells. Signs of melanoma include a spot or mole on the skin that is:

  • asymmetrical (the 2 halves do not match)
  • uneven with irregular borders
  • multicolored
  • large in diameter (larger than a pencil eraser)
  • darker in color than other moles
  • evolving or changing over time

Melanoma tin can be life threatening. In addition, spots on the scalp tin be harder to detect if the hair covers them. Anyone who is concerned nigh their risk can inquire a medico well-nigh getting regular pare checks to detect melanoma early.

If a person has whatever unusual or changing spots on their skin, they should encounter a doctor.

If a person has bloated occipital lymph nodes, a doctor volition attempt to find the cause. They may check the scalp for signs of infection or cancer.

In some cases, a physical examination may be sufficient. If a doctor wishes to check for cancer, they may perform a biopsy, which involves taking a small sample of skin and sending it to a lab for testing.

The type of treatment for swollen occipital lymph nodes depends on the crusade. Modest skin infections may only need at-domicile care, while more complex infections, such as ringworm, may require a prescription.

Occipital lymph nodes usually go back to normal afterwards a person gets treatment for the underlying cause.

Bloated occipital lymph nodes are usually a sign of an infection or inflammation on the scalp. If they practice non go away afterwards several days or occur alongside other symptoms, such as fever, a person should see a md.

Anyone who notices that other lymph nodes, such as those in the neck or groin, accept go swollen should also see a md.

When all the lymph nodes swell, this may be a sign of a body-wide illness, such as mononucleosis (mono), or an immune organization status, such every bit lupus.

Swollen occipital lymph nodes are not usually a cause for alarm. They are a sign that the immune system is fighting off an invader.

All the same, people should see a md if lymph nodes practice not go dorsum to normal within a few days. A physician can help rule out any serious conditions and prescribe handling if necessary.