Simply changing the type of shampoo and cosmetic products you use and tweaking your daily hygiene routine can often be enough to effectively treat an itchy forehead. In other instances, when a medical condition is an underlying cause, a consultation with a healthcare provider may be necessary. It’s important to be able to decipher the difference when it comes to the cause of an itchy forehead so you can treat it properly.
This article discusses the causes and treatment of an itchy forehead.
Causes
Itchy Forehead Without a Rash
The most common cause of an itchy forehead without a rash is a harmless condition called dry skin.
Dry skin can be caused by:
Cold, dry weather, and other environmental factorsUsing soaps, makeup, or lotions that contain harsh chemicals or are abrasiveWashing your face too oftenWashing your face with very hot waterWearing hats or bandanas with itchy fabrics
Itchy Forehead With a Rash
One of the most common causes of an itchy forehead with a rash is an allergic response to something the skin has had direct contact with, a condition that is medically coined contact dermatitis.
SulfatesAlcoholMineral oilSynthetic fragrances
Contact dermatitis is caused by direct contact with irritants or allergens.
Symptoms of contact dermatitis include a red rash that is:
SwollenBurning or stingingBlistered (may also be oozing or crusting)Dry and crackedScalyItchyPainful
Contact dermatitis will usually clear up after the irritant or allergen that caused the skin reaction has been removed.
Other causes of an itchy forehead with a rash may include:
Insect bites A heat rash or sunburn Stress Seborrheic dermatitis
Itchy Forehead With Red Spots
Several skin conditions with symptoms of red spots can cause your forehead to itch, including:
Psoriasis: A chronic (long-term) inflammatory skin disease that is considered an autoimmune disorderEczema: 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.
When to See a Doctor
When symptoms of an itchy forehead (with or without a rash or red spots) do not respond to treatment or prevention measures (such as eliminating irritants), or when the symptoms are severe enough to disrupt your daily routine, it’s important to see your healthcare provider.
Treatment
The treatment of an itchy forehead depends on the underlying cause of the symptoms.
Skin Conditions
Treatment of atopic dermatitis (eczema) may include a prescription for a topical (on the skin) steroid cream to help alleviate inflammation and itching.
For contact dermatitis, the treatment may involve a patch test to help identify and eliminate irritants or allergens that are causing an itchy forehead with a rash. It’s important to have a healthy home skin care routine, using only the approved skin care products, such as those suggested by the National Eczema Association.
If eczema is severe, your doctor may prescribe an oral (by mouth) or injectable medication, such as a corticosteroid to treat symptoms like severe inflammation.
Prevention
Prevention measures for the most common cause of an itchy forehead—dry skin—include:
An antihistamine (to treat symptoms of itching caused by an allergic reaction)Home remedies (such as the use of colloidal oatmeal to alleviate itching)The use of a humidifier when the air is dryAvoiding the use of hot water when showering or washing the hairEliminating the use of products with harsh ingredients (such as soaps, shampoos, cosmetics, and more) that may irritate the skinEating a healthy diet (including healthy fats such as olive oil or avocados to help prevent dry skin)Wearing sunscreen to protect the skin from burningEstablishing a healthy skin care routine
