Understanding and Treating Forehead Acne

Updated on: 18th September, 2024

Acne is a skin condition which is caused by the clogging of hair follicles on the skin. Dead skin cells and dirt when mixed along with sebum, cause the plugging of hair follicles and skin pores. Bacteria growing in these clogged pores can cause infection and skin inflammation. 

Appearance of acne on the forehead is quite common.  The root cause of acne breakouts is the blocked hair follicles on the forehead. 

All over the body, we have sebaceous glands. They produce the oily substance called sebum which moisturizes our skin. These sebaceous glands are concentrated on our face, scalp, chest and back. Commonly, the sebum tends to rise up and accumulate around the hair follicles. Most often, when this accumulated oily substance is mixed with dirt and dead skin cells, they lead to clogging of follicles. When these clogs  become infected with bacteria, it leads to formation of acne.

Below are the few possible causes of acne on the forehead.

Forehead acne can present in various forms, depending on the severity and underlying causes:

• Comedones (Whiteheads and Blackheads): These are small bumps that result from clogged pores. Whiteheads are closed comedones, while blackheads are open comedones exposed to air.
• Papules and Pustules: These are inflamed red bumps. Papules are solid and don’t contain pus, while pustules have a white center filled with pus.
• Cysts and Nodules: In severe cases, deeper and more painful lesions like cysts and nodules can develop, indicating a more intense inflammatory response.

Forehead acne is often preventable with certain improvements in lifestyle habits. Simple actions like regularly washing the face, and cleaning it, dabbing or washing of sweat and not allowing it to stay for long on the face, avoiding frequent use of  hair products and skin products like pomades, hair gels, hair oils, and make up products can aid prevent acne on forehead. 

Keep these few points in mind to prevent forehead acne, or keep the existing condition from getting severe. 

• Wash your face twice a day. Pat dry, without rubbing.
• For oily and greasy hair, wash often, with shampoos specifically used for treating oily hair. 
• Avoid touching your forehead or scratching or rubbing it with your fingers, thereby preventing the transfer of dirt particles into the skin pores. 
• Do not allow hair to constantly come in contact with your forehead.
• Wearing hats, caps and bandanas can lead to sweat accumulation within the pores. Avoid wearing them for long periods of time. 

Natural Remedies

• Aloe Vera Gel: Its anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe and reduce acne.
• Green Tea Extract: Rich in antioxidants, green tea can help reduce sebum production and fight bacteria.

Medical Treatments

If lifestyle changes and over-the-counter products don’t improve forehead acne, it may be time to consult a dermatologist. Possible treatments include:

• Topical Treatments: Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinoids can help reduce acne and prevent new breakouts.
• Oral Medications: In severe cases, oral antibiotics or hormonal treatments may be prescribed to manage acne.
• Procedures: Dermatologists may recommend treatments like chemical peels, laser therapy, or drainage and extraction for severe acne.

There are some natural remedies which may help prevent and control acne breakout on the forehead. Some of them include aloe vera gel treatment and green tea extract. If you are not sure how severe your condition is, prefer to consult an acne doctor in Pune for a treatment prescription.