Rash on the forehead

synonym

Rash

definition

A rash on the forehead is also known as a rash in technical terms. From a formal point of view, a rash represents the appearance of similar skin changes in one area, in this case on the forehead. These can be vesicles, scales, spots or the like.

Apart from the forehead, other regions of the body can also be affected. Strictly speaking, the forehead begins above the eye sockets and is limited upwards by the hairline. On the sides it is limited by the temples. However, these are often affected by a rash on the forehead.

An isolated rash on the forehead is rare anyway. The rash usually occurs as part of a disease that also affects other parts of the body or at least the rest of the face. Since various diseases can be responsible for a rash on the forehead, there is no uniform definition.

Read more on this topic at: Rash - These disorders are the causes

causes

A rash on the forehead can have many different causes. Apart from the forehead, other parts of the body are usually affected by the rash. At this point common causes of a rash on the forehead should be mentioned.

1. Infectious diseases

Pathogen like Viruses, bacteria, Mushrooms and Parasites, can cause a rash on the forehead. Examples of viral infestation are especially childhood diseases, such as measles, rubella or chickenpox.
Concomitant symptoms such as fever or sniff. The Shingles, which is caused by a herpes virus, can lead to segmental involvement of the forehead. A Fungal disease the skin is also a possible cause.However, other parts of the body are usually also affected. An example of a bacterial disease is Scarlet feverwhich affects both children and adults. Characteristic, apart from the rash, are difficulties swallowing, Fever and one Swelling of the lymph nodes.

2. Autoimmune diseases and allergy

A rash on the forehead may indicate a allergic or autoimmune cause be due. Autoimmune diseases, like a Lupus erythematosus, are very rare and are typically associated with other symptoms.
A Neurodermatitis is a very common childhood disease that typically leads to dry, itchy areas of skin. Infestation of the forehead is not uncommon, but other areas of skin, such as the flexor sides, are also affected.
Furthermore, allergic reactions are possible triggers of a rash on the forehead. Typical is a itching of the skin.

diagnosis

The diagnosis of a rash on the forehead is mostly made by a dermatologist posed. What is important is the exact one inspection the skin, as possible causes are narrowed down. Since various clinical pictures can cause a rash on the forehead, it is important to describe the complexion as precisely as possible.
Further tests and examinations are necessary in some cases to confirm the diagnosis. These include, for example Allergy tests, Investigations of Skin samples under the microscope or something similar. In rarer cases, too Blood tests groundbreaking. For example antibody determine if you have an autoimmune disease. Which examination is necessary depends on the skin texture and the accompanying symptoms. However, just inspecting the skin is often enough to make a diagnosis.

Symptoms

A rash on the forehead can have many different causes. Depending on the underlying cause, there are also different accompanying symptoms. A Neurodermatitis or one allergy are often associated with a more or less severe itching of the affected skin area. Fungal diseases can also cause itching.
Infectious diseases, like the classic ones Teething problems measles and rubella, show general symptoms like fever, Exhaustion, to cough, sniff or one Swelling of the lymph nodes. A Shingles leads alongside fever severe pain or a burning sensation on the affected area of ​​the skin.
Autoimmune diseases, like a Lupus erythematosus, show many special accompanying symptoms. For example, lupus erythematosus occurs Joint discomfort, Kidney damage or a Hair loss on.

Rash on the scalp

There are several causes of a rash that affects both the forehead and scalp. Other skin regions can also be affected. Possible causes are, for example, acne, in which pimples and redness can also affect the scalp, or neurodermatitis.
The latter begins in childhood and often disappears in adulthood. Dry, itchy areas of skin are typical.
Allergic reactions often lead to what is known as hives, in which very itchy wheals can spread over the entire skin.

Read more on this topic at: Rash from an allergy

Another possible cause is a skin fungus, which typically forms red spots with a dark, sometimes scaly edge. Itching is also possible with a fungal infection. Mites are also a possible cause of a rash on the forehead and scalp. Finally, there is seborrheic dermatitis.

Read more on this topic at: Rash from mites

Characteristic for this rash are coin-shaped, reddened foci with yellow-greasy scaling. Seborrheic eczema can occur as early as infancy and is then usually referred to as head gneiss.

Read more on the topic: Swollen forehead

Rash on the nose

A rash rarely affects only the forehead. In most cases, other areas of the face or the rest of the body are affected. Viral rashes like measles, rubella, Three-day fever or chickenpox usually also show up on the nose.
Also one Infectious mononucleosis (Glandular Pfeiffer fever) or a rash from an allergic reaction are possible causes. At the Scarlet fever the nose is usually left out.

Rash on the cheek

There are very different causes of a rash on the forehead and Cheeks shows. Usually other skin regions are also affected. Of the Scarlet fever is a striking example, as the cheeks are typically very strongly reddened are. However, other infectious diseases are also like rubella, measles, Three-day fever and chickenpox possible triggers for a rash on the forehead and cheeks.
Allergic reactions can also show up on the forehead and cheeks. There are also autoimmune causes, especially one Lupus erythematosus in question, in which the cheeks can be affected.

therapy

There is no general therapy for rashes on the forehead, as there can be very different diseases. Therefore, a therapy specially adapted to the cause is necessary. Most viral rashes do not require therapy. These include, among other things measles, rubella, Three-day fever and chickenpox. It just comes symptom-relieving drugs used to help against fever and pain.
A yeast infection can be with one Antifungal agent treated that kills the fungus. This antifungal agent is applied to the skin in the form of a cream or shower gel, for example.

At the Scarlet fever come antibiotics, preferably Penicillin V, for use. The therapy of complex skin diseases such as one Neurodermatitis or one Lupus erythematosus require a specialized approach with mostly versatile therapeutic approaches. This is individually tailored to the person concerned and their complaints.
If you have allergic reactions Antihistamines or Cortisone preparations used for treatment. In some cases, cortisone must be taken orally in the form of tablets. However, cortisone creams are used for allergic contact eczema.

Duration of the rash

The duration of a rash on the forehead varies depending on the underlying cause. A duration of a few days is possible.
With the classic Teething problems Measles, rubella, scarlet fever and three-day fever, the rash usually goes away after 3 to 8 days.
An allergic reaction usually disappears after a few days.
However, other conditions, such as a fungal attack, can persist for several weeks if left untreated.
Autoimmune diseases or a Neurodermatitis show courses over several years, during which the rash usually comes and goes. A general statement about the duration of a rash on the forehead cannot be made. The underlying clinical picture is decisive.

Rashes in the child

In childhood there are rashes No rarity. They are often among the classic diseases of childhood and have a characteristic appearance. Viral diseases like that measles, rubella, chickenpox or that Three-day fever affect not only the forehead, but also other parts of the body. Typical accompanying symptoms, among others fever, Exhaustion or itching, occur in these diseases.

Also the Scarlet fevercaused by bacteria (streptococci) leads to a rash, including on the forehead. Lymph node swelling, difficulties swallowing and fever are symptoms of scarlet fever, which adults can also get sick with.
In adolescence it is infectious mononucleosis (Glandular Pfeiffer fever), which also goes by the name "kissing disease“Known to be a possible cause of a rash that then shows up all over the body. This is accompanied by severe itching, fever and sore throat.

Read more on this topic at: Rash with glandular fever

You may also develop a rash after taking Aminopenicillins occur. This usually begins 1 to 2 days after taking antibiotics and itches badly.

Aside from infectious causes, allergies or other skin diseases are also possible. In childhood there is one Neurodermatitis frequently. About 10 to 15% of children are affected. Characteristic are dry areas of the skin, which are accompanied by severe itching. Apart from the forehead, however, other parts of the body, especially the flexor sides, are affected.

Rashes in the baby

Babies can also have a rash on their forehead. In most cases one is hidden Viral infection behind rashes on the face. An example of such a viral infection are the chickenpox. Typically, small red dots appear first, which then after a few hours of fluid-filled vesicles to be accompanied. Starting from the face, the rash spreads all over the body. In the process, the vesicles burst and crust. The rash is very itchy. General symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches and refusal to eat also occur.

Another cause of a rash on the forehead in babies is the so-called Baby acne. This usually occurs within the first week of life and mainly affects the forehead, cheeks and chin. However, baby acne can also spread to the back. Treatment is usually not required.
Finally, there are two other major causes that can lead to a rash on the forehead in babies, namely Neurodermatitis and infant seborrheic eczema. Neurodermatitis, which in infancy is often called Cradle cap begins between the 3rd and 6th month of life and mostly disappears in adulthood. The skin changes in infants resemble burned milk, which explains the name cradle cap.
Typically the scalp, forehead, and neck are affected. Yellowish-brown crusts and dry skin areas are characteristic. Occurrence on other skin areas, such as the face and extensor surfaces, is typical. The Infant seborrheic eczema In contrast to neurodermatitis, it occurs immediately after birth. Kick on the scalp, forehead, nose and in the diaper area sticky, greasy, yellow scales on a reddened background. The infestation on the head is called Head gneiss and often confused with the cradle cap.