Folliculitis is a common skin affection involving hair follicles. It is an inflammation of the hair follicle caused by microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. The inflammation presents itself in the form of red bumps scattered over the affected skin area. These tiny red bumps are often itchy. Foliculitis usually develops on skin areas where the hair growth is dense.
Folliculitis can also develop on the forehead even though there is less hair growth. Folliculitis on the forehead in majority of cases develops due to yeast infection, called Folliculitis Malassezia. It was previously also called Pytirosporum folliculitis. Folliculitis lesions on the forehead resemble typically like tiny pimples. However, the two conditions are different and the treatment also varies.
Symptoms Of Folliculitis On Forehead
The tiny red itchy bumps usually develop two to three days after the skin is exposed to Malassezia organisms. The fungus remains dormant for a long period in some cases and it shows up only when the condition is suitable for them.
Although anyone can be affected with the fungi, certain people are more prone to this condition. Individuals suffering from diabetes, chronic illnesses and patients whose immunity is low are more vulnerable. It can also occur in people whose forehead remains oily and sweaty. Patient taking antibiotics for long duration are also at risk of suffering from folliculitis on forehead as well as other areas of the body.
One of the clues that distinguish folliculitis lesions from acne is that, folliculitis often comes and goes unlike acne which stays for a long period. Folliculitis on forehead is often seen after use of heavy moisturizers applied on face and forehead. Nowadays spa treatment which has become a fashion is also a trigger for occurrence of folliculitis on forehead.
Treatment Options For Folliculitis On Forehead
Majority cases of folliculitis on forehead are caused due to fungal yeast infection; however it can also be caused by bacteria. Your doctor may be able to distinguish whether the causative organism is fungus or bacteria. It is essential to avoid picking and scrubbing the tiny red bumps as this may cause more irritation and aggravate the condition further.
In many cases folliculitis subsides on its own as the immune system becomes stronger. However, sometimes it needs to be treated, especially when the condition takes long time to heal. Below are some of the treatment measures that help to hasten healing process.
- Dermatologists recommend local application of anti fungal ointment over the red bumps on forehead when the underlying cause is yeast infection.
- Use of anti fungal shampoo is also an alternative therapy to treat folliculitis on forehead caused by fungus. Wash the forehead with this shampoo at least three times in a week.
- Keep the forehead skin clean. Avoid perspiration on forehead. Clean your face two to three times in a day with antibacterial soap.
- Avoid applying heavy moisturizers on face and forehead when you are prone to get folliculitis.
- Apply sandalwood paste on forehead. Its soothing action will help to alleviate itching which can be annoying at times, especially when present on forehead.
- Tea tree oil is also effective natural anti-fungal cure for folliculitis on forehead. Tea tree oil should be diluted with carrier oil before applying it on forehead. Carrier oil such as olive oil can be used. Care is needed to prevent it from entering into the eyes.
- If you are diabetic control your blood sugar.
- Eat less sugar and foods that consist of yeast.
The prognosis of folliculitis on forehead is good and it is completely curable condition.