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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #13921
11 days ago
32

dryness on forehead - #13921

Vanya

I am getting really worried about this weird dryness on my forehead that's been going on for a few weeks now. At first, I thought it was just dry skin because the weather’s been all over the place, but now I’m noticing that it’s actually flaky in some spots and red in others. Like, I can literally see the skin peeling and I keep finding myself accidentally scratching it! I don't have any history of skin problems, and I swear I’ve been moisturizing like crazy. Just last week, I tried a new moisturizer thinking that would help with the dryness on my forehead, but it just seems to make it worse! I even went to my dermatologist, who suggested it might be eczema, but i'm not sure. Why is this happening, especially when other parts of my face seem fine? Is there something I should avoid or a better product for the dryness on my forehead? I’ve also started noticing this itchiness sometimes, and I can’t tell if it’s just from the dryness or if it’s something more serious? Has anyone else experienced this dryness on their forehead? What did you do that helped? I guess I’m just feeling a bit lost and frustrated here.

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Doctors’ responses

It sounds like you’re dealing with a frustrating skin issue, and while dryness and flaky redness on the forehead is often caused by environmental factors, it could also be due to a few underlying conditions. Considering your dermatologist mentioned eczema, that’s definitely a possibility. Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, can present with dryness, redness, inflammation, and itching, which aligns with your symptoms. To manage it effectively, it’s crucial to continue moisturizing with fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizers designed for sensitive skin—sometimes a heavier ointment or cream is more effective than lotions. If the new moisturizer you tried worsened the condition, it might contain irritants or allergens, so stopping its use is wise. Avoid products with alcohol, artificial fragrances, or harsh chemicals that can aggravate your skin. Your daily routine could also impact the condition. Using a mild, gentle cleanser and applying moisturizers while the skin’s still damp can help lock in hydration. You might also find relief in using a humidifier to maintain skin moisture, especially if heating is contributing to dryness. Since you mentioned itchiness, trying a 1% hydrocortisone cream for short-term relief might be beneficial, but it should be used cautiously and preferably under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Also, ensure you’re maintaining a healthy diet and managing stress, as they can influence skin health. Though it doesn’t seem immediately alarming, persistent or worsening symptoms should be checked again by a dermatologist to rule out other possibilities like psoriasis or contact dermatitis, especially with the peeling and redness noted. If you’ve not tried yet, patch testing new products on a small skin area might help identify specific triggers. Remember, treatment effectiveness varies, and it may take a little experimentation to settle on the right approach for your skin.

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