What Are The Causes Of Forehead Acne And How To Get Rid Of Acne

The term acne is possibly derived from the Greek term ‘akme’ meaning ‘the prime of life’. Acne is a classic stigma of adolescence; it has been viewed as a normal physiologic reaction in the skin. During puberty there is increase in the size of sebaceous glands with a concomitant increase in the sebaceous (oil) secretion, both are normal physiologic process. But the changes that lead to inflamed red growths, blackheads or whiteheads are not physiological, they are true acne skin disease.

Many people refer acne as pimples or zits. They can occur anywhere on the body, but acne breakouts on face, especially on forehead are most common, because forehead is a part of T-Zone.

It is an area on the face which is oilier than other parts of the face. Pimples on forehead usually recede after pubertal age. But in few exceptional cases, it may produce severe residual physical and psychological scarring, which may be lifetime.

What Causes Acne On The Forehead?

The basic cause of acne on forehead remains still unknown, but four major etiological factors that may be responsible are;

  • Increased production of sebum (oil) and dead skin cells.
  • Abnormality in the bacterial flora.
  • Blockage of sebaceous duct.
  • Inflammation.

Acne on forehead is common between 18 and 30 years. Boys tend to have more severe form of pimples as compared to girls, and slightly later in life.

In 80% of cases, the incidence and severity of forehead pimples decreases after mid twenties. Certain factors that have predominant association in formation of acne on forehead include;

  • Heredity: people having history of acne in their family are more prone to acne on forehead.
  • Hormonal changes: pregnancy and menstruation is known to produce flare up of pimples.
  • Genetic: genetic preponderance is confirmed by high incidence between identical twins.
  • Drug acne on forehead: many medicines have been incriminated in production of acneiform eruptions on forehead. Androgens, gonadotrophins and ACTH given early in puberty may precipitate zits on face and other parts of the body. Birth control pills are also notorious in producing acne in some women.
  • People living unhygienic lifestyle, neglecting skin hygiene, are prone to acne formation on forehead.
  • Use of cosmetics containing harsh chemicals and oils, applying excessive oil on scalp can cause blockage of skin pores on forehead leading to pimples and blackhead.
  • Mental stress is also responsible for acne formation.
  • Diet rich in oil and fat can be a predisposing cause for formation of acne on forehead. Various foods such as chocolates, ice-cream, pork fat etc. have been implicated to worsen pimples.
  • People who suffer from chronic constipation are also prone to acne.

 Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Forehead Acne

Acne on forehead is treatable disease, except in minority of cases.

  • Clean your forehead and face at least twice in a day with water. Use gentle soap for this purpose. This will remove dirt and grime stuck on forehead. Wash your face after exercise.
  • Wash your head daily with a gentle and natural shampoo, especially if your hair is oily.
  • Drink plenty of water to keep your skin well hydrated.
  • Avoid beverages containing caffeine. This includes tea, coffee, energy drinks. Alcohol also leads to dehydration of skin.
  • Avoid eating oily and fried food, and junk food.
  • Eat foods rich in vitamins such as spinach, carrots, and green vegetables. Fruits such as strawberry, papaya, orange, Kiwi fruits etc. Consume food that contains Vitamin A and B complex in plenty.
  • Do not try to squeeze forehead acne. This may lead to secondary infection and scarring.
  • Avoid touching your forehead too often with your fingers.
  • Apply lemon juice on forehead regularly for few days; it is an effective home remedy for getting rid of forehead acne.
  • Prepare a paste by mixing turmeric powder, mint and coriander juice. Apply it on the forehead pimples and keep it overnight. It is a natural topical preparation for healing forehead acne.
  • Cryotherapy or laser therapy may prove useful for getting rid of pimples on forehead, if other methods fail.

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