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black lines on forehead
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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #15837
46 days ago
96

black lines on forehead - #15837

Neil

I am really worried! A couple of weeks ago, I noticed some black lines on my forehead, and at first, I thought it was just a result of stress or maybe from not washing my face properly. But these black lines on my forehead haven’t gone away. It's like they’re kind of engraved or something. I’m 32, not the oldest, but I do have a hectic life with work and kids, ya know? Sometimes I hardly have time to properly moisturize or even sleep. I started to pay more attention and realized there’s these kinda dark lines between my eyebrows and spreading out towards my temples. My sister said she saw something similar and thought it could be a sign of aging, but I’m freaking out! Are black lines on forehead common? I tried searching online, but I kept reading about everything from dehydration to serious skin conditions. Should I see a dermatologist or is this just normal? What are the best treatments for black lines on forehead? Any thoughts from you guys who might’ve dealt with this before would be super helpful, cause right now I feel lost and a bit panicky!

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Doctors’ responses

Black lines on the forehead can definitely be concerning, especially if they seem to have appeared out of the blue and don’t seem to match typical aging signs like wrinkles. First off, it’s a good idea to consider some common causes. Sometimes, these lines can be due to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, where skin darkens following inflammation or injury. Consider any recent skin irritation or acne that might have resolved, leaving behind these darker lines. Also, it could be due to melasma, another type of hyperpigmentation often triggered by sun exposure, hormonal changes, or stress. Given your busy lifestyle, it might be related to a combination of sun exposure and stress, exacerbating such skin issues. Alternatively, particularly dark streaks wouldn’t usually be associated with typical aging like wrinkles or fine lines, so there might be an external factor at play. Could there be an issue with a certain skincare product you’re using that might be interacting with your skin negatively? It’s unlikely to be something serious, but it’s important to pay attention obviously. Since these lines have persisted for a couple of weeks without improvement, seeing a dermatologist would be advisable. A professional can assess the specific texture, depth, and pattern of these lines better, potentially removing the guesswork about their cause. At the dermatologist, they may suggest treatments like topical treatments, possibly containing retinoids or lightening agents, which can help address pigmentation issues. In the meantime, try incorporating a sunscreen into your morning routine consistently; it could prevent darkening from further sun exposure. If the lines are flat and more pigment-related, keeping your skin hydrated and maintaining a proper skincare regimen might also help. Just be mindful with new skincare products, as sometimes they can cause reactions certain types of overuse or if they aren’t suitable for your skin.

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