Small Red Bumps on the Forehead

Red bumps that crop up on the forehead can be embarrassing and difficult to hide. Because they can lead to physical scaring and emotional damage, it is important for the sufferer to understand why they occur and how they can be treated. Two common skin conditions, acne and rosacea, may be the culprit.

Description

Small red bumps that appear on the forehead are typically rosacea or acne, according to the FamilyDoctor website. Rosacea is a skin condition that often starts with redness on the forehead and the rest of the facial area. Over time, small red bumps and pimples can appear. Patients can also notice the appearance of blood vessels across the cheeks and nose. Acne can also develop on the forehead as small, swollen, red bumps.

Who Gets It?

The FamilyDoctor notes that red bumps caused by rosacea tend to occur in 30- to 60-year-old adults. The condition often runs in families and affects people who are fair-skinned and blush easily. It can develop more severely in men. Acne often begins during the teenager years and can occur in men and women. However, symptoms can also be more pronounced in a man because males have more oils on the skin. Symptoms of acne often fade by the time the patient reaches 25.

Causes

The exact cause of rosacea is not known. However, Mayoclinic.com notes that certain factors can contribute to its formation. These include alcohol, hot baths, sunlight, hot beverages, corticosteroids, medications that cause blood vessel dilation and stress. Acne develops when hair follicles become plugged with skin cells, dirt and oil. This often occurs when the oil glands produce excess amounts of oil that cannot escape to the skin’s surface.

Treatment Options

Rosacea and acne bumps on the forehead are treated similarly. For rosacea, a doctor may prescribe a medication called metronidazole. He may also suggest an oral antibiotic. A dermatologist or doctor can also prescribe an antibiotic for acne. In addition, both conditions can benefit from the application of over-the-counter topical salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Acne and rosacea medications can be harsh on the skin, causing irritation and burning.

Prevention

To prevent red bumps on the forehead as a result of rosacea and acne, it is important that the patient wash her face every day with a gentle, oil-free cleanser. She should avoid anything that can trigger red bumps on the forehead. For rosacea, this can include spicy foods, extreme temperatures and stress. For acne, this can include pore-clogging, creamy foundations and not washing all makeup from the face before going to bed at night.