Nobody likes blemishes, especially unsightly red bumps. Red bumps that form on the forehead are particularly conspicuous and challenging to conceal. Red bumps can form on your forehead for a number of reasons. Fortunately however, there are ways to treat embarrassing red bumps and to relieve the annoying associated symptoms like itching and burning.
Causes
Common causes of red bumps on the forehead include allergic reactions, acne, chicken pox and bug bites. If you are allergic to certain food products like peanuts, chemicals like perfumes or materials like metal, red bumps may develop if you come into contact with that item. Plants like poison oak and poison ivy can also trigger an allergic reaction. Acne is a common skin disorder that occurs when hair follicles become clogged by excess oils, dirt and bacteria. Acne can appear on any area of your face including your forehead. Red bumps on a child's forehead may be a sign of chicken pox. Chicken pox is a contagious skin disease that causes red, itchy bumps to appear all over your face and body. One or more red bumps on your forehead may also be the result of a bite from a mosquito or other insect.
Diagnostic Techniques
In some instances, your doctor or dermatologist can determine the cause of the red bumps on your forehead simply by observing their appearance. If you do not normally suffer from acne, he may ask whether you have recently spent time outdoors or switched hygienic products in order to determine if an allergy or bug bite could be the culprit. Your doctor or dermatologist can confirm a suspected allergy by conducting a simple allergy test.
Treatment
If you have red bumps on your forehead, there are treatments available that may help reduce the appearance of the bumps and ease any skin irritation. According MedlinePlus.com, hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion is often effective in treating red bumps on the forehead caused by chicken pox, bug bites, poison ivy and poison oak. Acne products that contain active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or retinoic acid are often effective in treating red bumps on the forehead caused by acne.
Prevention
If you have an allergy, read the ingredients on all food and product labels very carefully to prevent accidental exposure. Learn to identify problem plants like poison oak and poison ivy so that you can avoid them when outdoors. If you plan to spend time outdoors, you should also wear an insect repellent to help ward off biting bugs. Keeping your face clean and free from excessive oils can help prevent the formation of acne-related red bumps.
Warning
The presence of red bumps on your forehead is usually not dangerous. However, red bumps that are excessively painful or that appear infected may indicate a complication associated with the triggering condition. Some children can potentially experience complications from chicken pox such as pneumonia, skin lesions or dehydration.
