The exact cause of subcutaneous lipoma, the most common benign tumor of the body surface, is not known. Its main clinical manifestation is a painless mass on the body surface with clear borders, a relatively soft texture and good mobility. Currently, subcutaneous lipomas are surgically removed to obtain a cure. If a subcutaneous lipoma is painful, there are two common causes: 1) local pain caused by the gradual enlargement of the lipoma pressing on local surface nerves or pulling on the skin; 2) less commonly, local redness, swelling and pain caused by a superficial skin rupture of the subcutaneous lipoma, followed by bacterial infection. In this case, antibiotic treatment is needed, either orally or even intramuscularly or intravenously in severe cases. If there is an abscess, it may even require incision and drainage.