Spots on forehead can indicate varied underlying skin conditions. They may be accompanied by itchiness, irritation, redness, pain, or other symptoms. Some of the different causes and treatment for spots on forehead are discussed below.
Causes of spots on forehead
Some of the causes of spots on forehead are as follows:
- Contact dermatitis:It is a skin condition characterized by inflammation of skin and rash development. Exposure of the forehead to irritants like hair dye products, poison ivy, soaps with harsh chemicals, and certain metals can cause contact dermatitis. The itchy, red spots on forehead cause a lot of discomfort.
- Acne: It is caused due to overactive sebaceous glands. It majorly affects adolescents and causes large or small pimples on the face, particularly on the forehead.
- Heat rash: Exposure to hot and humid conditions cause the development of spots on forehead associated with heat rash. It also affects other parts of the body. The condition is caused due to entrapment of sweat below the skin. Heat rash is irritable and itchy.
- Drug and Food allergies: Individuals may also develop spots on forehead as part of an allergic reaction towards intake of certain medicines. If the spots develop immediately after intake of certain food items, then they are caused due to food allergies. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction which also causes other symptoms such as breathing problems, hives, redness, swelling, etc.
- Insect bites: People who are allergic to insect bites may also develop spots on forehead. Spiders, fleas, bees, and ants are the usual culprits.
- Impetigo:It is caused due to infection by bacteria, which enter the body via a cut or wound on the skin. Impetigo rashes usually affect the forehead, nose, and the area around mouth. The spots on forehead may appear as red sores or fluid-filled blisters that rupture and crust over. Children are typically affected by the condition.
- Rosacea: It is an inflammatory skin condition which causes an abnormally reddish facial skin and development of pus-filled, red spots on forehead and other areas. The symptoms may aggravate during winter; after intake of alcohol or spicy foods; with elevated anxiety or stress; and/or after a sunbath.
It is important to note that irritation and itchiness of the spots on forehead may prompt the patient to scratch the rashes. However, this can tear the skin and increase the risk to secondary bacterial infections. Hence, all affected individuals must avoid scratching and visit a doctor for remedial measures.
Treatment of spots on forehead
- Spots on forehead are treated as per the underlying condition. Heat rash can be treated by avoiding exposure to hot and humid weather conditions, staying indoors in air-conditioned rooms, and following self-care guidelines
- Itching can be reduced via hydrocortisone creams. If it does not resolve the issue, then doctors may prescribe oral or topical corticosteroids.
- Secondary infections of the rashes can be treated with antibiotics
- Contact dermatitis can be successfully treated within a couple of weeks without medications by avoiding skin irritants. Similarly, allergic food stuffs and areas with lots of insects should be avoided to prevent future cases of red spots on forehead.
- Anaphylaxis requires emergency care
