What Does a Swollen Lymph Node Feel Like on the Head?

September 23, 2025 •

3 min read

Over 300 lymph nodes are located in the head and neck, and they often swell in response to a local infection. Knowing what does a swollen lymph node feel like on the head is key to understanding your body's immune response and identifying when to seek medical attention.

Quick Summary

A swollen lymph node on the head typically feels like a firm, round, and tender pea- or bean-sized lump beneath the skin that is movable. This is usually a sign of your immune system fighting a local infection, such as an ear or scalp issue. However, characteristics like hardness, fixation, or prolonged swelling warrant medical evaluation.

Key Points

Feel for Texture: A typical swollen lymph node from an infection feels firm but movable, while a hard, fixed node warrants a doctor's visit.
Note the Size: Swollen lymph nodes are often pea- to bean-sized; monitor any that grow larger than 2 cm over time.
Check for Tenderness: Pain or tenderness to the touch is common with infection, but a painless, hard lump is more concerning.
Observe Duration: If the swelling doesn't subside within a few weeks, or if it worsens, seek medical advice.
Compare with Symptoms: Swollen nodes from a cold or flu will likely have accompanying symptoms, but persistent swelling with unexplained fever or weight loss needs evaluation.

Understanding the Feel of Swollen Lymph Nodes

When your body is fighting off an infection, your lymph nodes produce extra immune cells, causing them to swell. The sensation of a swollen lymph node on the head can vary, but certain characteristics are common.

Size and Shape

Normal lymph nodes are typically not noticeable. When they swell, they often feel like a small, pea- or bean-sized lump. While usually oval-shaped, they can feel round.

Texture and Consistency

A typical swollen lymph node on the head due to infection usually feels soft or firm, is movable under the skin, and may be tender or sore to the touch. In contrast, a node that feels hard, rubbery, or is fixed in place might be more concerning.

Duration of Swelling

Swollen lymph nodes caused by an infection should decrease in size within a few weeks as the body recovers. Persistent swelling beyond this timeframe warrants medical evaluation.

Where to Feel for Lymph Nodes on the Head

Lymph nodes are clustered in various areas around the head and neck. Key locations include:

Occipital Nodes: Found at the base of the skull, often swelling due to scalp issues.
Post-auricular Nodes: Located behind the ear, potentially linked to ear infections.
Pre-auricular Nodes: Situated in front of the ear, possibly indicating infections of the eye or face.
Submandibular and Submental Nodes: Located under the jaw and chin, often affected by mouth or throat infections.

Common Causes of Swollen Lymph Nodes on the Head

The most common cause of swollen lymph nodes is infection. This can include:

Upper respiratory infections (colds, flu, sinus infections).
Strep throat.
Ear infections.
Skin infections on the scalp or face.
Mononucleosis.
Dental infections.

A Guide to Self-Checking Your Lymph Nodes

To check your lymph nodes, use your fingertips to gently feel in the common locations around your head and neck, comparing both sides. Note the size, shape, consistency, and any tenderness. Also, be aware of accompanying symptoms like fever or fatigue.

When to See a Doctor

While often harmless, consult a healthcare professional if swelling lasts over 2–4 weeks, nodes are hard or fixed, they continue to grow, or if you have unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or prolonged fever. Red, hot skin over a node could indicate an infection.

Comparison: Benign vs. Concerning Characteristics


Characteristic	Typical Swollen Lymph Node (Often Benign)	Concerning Lymph Node (Warrants Evaluation)
Feel	Soft or firm, and movable	Hard, rubbery, and fixed in place
Size	Pea- or bean-sized (often ≤1–2 cm)	Growing larger over time, or larger than 2 cm
Tenderness	Often tender or painful to the touch	May be painless, or tender without apparent cause
Onset	Appears suddenly during an infection	Develops slowly over weeks or months
Duration	Subsides within a few weeks	Persists for more than a month or continues to grow
Associated Symptoms	Accompanied by cold, flu, or local infection symptoms	Accompanied by unexplained fever, night sweats, or weight loss

Conclusion

For most people, a swollen lymph node on the head is a normal, temporary sign of a healthy immune system at work. By learning what to feel for, where to check, and when to seek professional advice, you can approach this symptom with confidence. Always consult a healthcare provider for any persistent or concerning lumps. For more detailed medical information on lymphatic system health, you can visit the Mayo Clinic website.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common cause is a local infection, such as an ear infection, sinus infection, scalp infection, or a viral illness like the common cold or flu.

While most cases are not serious, you should see a doctor if the node is hard, fixed in place, growing, or persists for more than a few weeks. Other warning signs include unexplained weight loss, night sweats, and fever.

You can feel lymph nodes in several places on the head, including at the base of the skull (occipital nodes), behind the ears (post-auricular nodes), and in front of the ears (pre-auricular nodes).

Yes, a swollen lymph node caused by an infection is often tender or painful to the touch. This tenderness is a result of inflammation from your immune system responding to the illness.

Typically, a swollen lymph node will return to its normal size within 2 to 4 weeks after the underlying infection has cleared. If it stays swollen longer, medical consultation is advised.

While stress doesn't directly cause swollen lymph nodes, chronic stress can weaken the immune system, making you more susceptible to infections that in turn cause lymph node swelling.

Yes, it is possible. Sometimes a minor infection or inflammation may not produce noticeable symptoms beyond the swollen node. However, if the swelling is persistent or feels concerning, it's best to see a doctor.