Hello, The swelling you have at the base of neck could be: - A lymph node enlarged in respond e to some lesion in scalp, and neck region. - It can be an enlarged, infected and inflamed hair root. You would need a course of antibiotic with anti-inflammatory medicine over the counter. See your family physician for specific prescription. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Vasudha Jayant Athavale