Red, Dry Skin on My Forehead
There are some skin conditions that commonly affect the forehead, according to the medical text “Clinical Dermatology.” Among those listed are psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis, which can look like red, dry skin.
There are some skin conditions that commonly affect the forehead, according to the medical text "Clinical Dermatology." Among those listed are psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis, which can look like red, dry skin. If you see itchy and inflamed skin on your forehead, these red, dry patches will require some detective work to help find the cause. If you don't succeed, a dermatologist can help.
Forehead Skin
Contact dermatitis can occur anywhere on your skin. If you wear any sort of hat, hood or band across your forehead, it can be the cause of the inflamed and flaky skin called dermatitis. Eliminate wearing hats or headgear across the forehead for a while and see if that helps. If not, consider your bangs if you wear your hair down on your forehead. Any spray used on this hair can affect the skin on the forehead.
Acne and Rosacea
If the red, dry skin also has red bumps, it may be acne or rosacea. If you have symptoms of these conditions on the forehead, you'll typically see the red bumps on other areas of the face as well. Consider, too, that the skin may be reacting to a combination of things. Hairspray plus a sweatband, or cosmetics under a hat band, can cause dermatitis on the forehead that does not appear anywhere else.
Treating Dry Skin
Skin that is red and dry needs moisture. It's best to use gentle hypoallergenic cleansers and shampoos for a while to see if the condition improves. To soothe your dry skin, moisturize with a fragrance-free cream while the skin is still damp. Anything that occludes the skin can cause a reaction, so consider that your daily makeup regimen may be part of the problem.
Medical Conditions
Seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis are two common conditions that appear on the forehead. The scales of psoriasis are silvery in color and the condition usually appears on other areas as well. Conditions of the scalp can also show up on the forehead. Seborrheic dermatitis is often seen below the hairline in the front and above the eyebrows. For the most effective treatment of these conditions, consult a dermatologist. Any skin condition that does not respond to simple treatment at home or recurs needs professional evaluation.