Often, it will help to simply change the skin care products you use on your forehead.
This article discusses the causes and treatment of a rash on the forehead.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
What Are the Causes of an Itchy Rash on the Forehead?
Rashes with different causes can have different appearances.
Some rashes may look red and swollen while others may appear flaky, bumpy, or scaly.
Some may develop blisters and ooze or bleed.
Your symptoms may help point to the cause.
Dry Skin
Dry skin doesn’t always cause a rash, but it can be itchy.
When you scratch itchy skin, it can turn red and develop into a rash.
Contact dermatitis is sparked by direct contact with irritants or allergens.
Shingles can also cause small clusters of blisters that break open and then crust over.
The rash usually appears in the later stages of the disease and can last a few weeks.
Bacterial Infections
An infection with a staphylococcal bacteria can cause a rash on the forehead.
You may only have one bump of lesion or you may have more than one.
Impetigo is triggered by an infection with streptococcus bacteria.
The spots are itchy and will break open, ooze, and then crust over as the condition progresses.
The rash can simply be red or it can be red with bumps.
Rosacea is a chronic condition, but symptoms can come and go.
A flare up can be triggered by certain foods, stress, or sun exposure.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic (long-term)inflammatory skin disease that is considered an autoimmune disorder.
Eczema
Eczema is a chronic skin condition that involves periods of flare-ups and remissions.
It is considered an autoimmune disorder.
There are several types of eczema, including atopic eczema (the most common form) and contact dermatitis.
Folliculitis
Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicle.
This happens with the follicle gets irritated or becomes infected with bacteria.
When folliculitis occurs on the face, it is called acnes.
Impetigo
Impetigo is because of an infection with streptococcus bacteria.
This bacteria causes strep throat, but it can also cause a skin infection.
Impetigo causes groups of small, red spots to appear on the skin.
The spots are itchy and will break open, ooze, and then crust over as the condition progresses.
The fluid inside the spots is contagious.
Seborrheic dermatitis may appear along your hairline and can look like oily scales or powder.
Acne
When your pores become clogged, the skin around them may become dry.
This is whyacnecan sometimes be itchy.
You may also experience itchiness as a side effect of medications used to treat acne such as benzoyl peroxide.
Heat and sweat can make acne itch, too.
You might notice increased itchiness of acne lesions as they are healing.
The healing process can cause dead skin cells to dry and flake off, which causes the itching sensation.
Heat Rash
A heat rash can appear on any part of your body, including your forehead.
Heat rash appears as tiny bumps on the skin.
These bumps are filled with trapped sweat and may become inflamed.
Heat rash typically occurs in hot or humid weather.
It can feel itchy or burning.
Drug Rash
Drug rashescan happen when you use certain medications such as antibiotics.
These types of rashes can occur immediately after you start taking a drug or days or weeks later.
The rash may begin on your torso and spread to your arms and legs.
A rash that spreads to the face can also be a sign that your reaction needs immediate treatment.
How Do You Treat an Itchy Rash on the Forehead?
The treatment of an itchy forehead depends on the underlying cause of the symptoms.
How Do You Prevent an Itchy Rash on the Forehead?
Some of these are skin conditions that can be treated with topical medications or home remedies.
Others are more serious conditions triggered by infection with a virus or a reaction to medication.
Cleveland Clinic.Do you itch?
Know the signs of an underlying medical problem.
