How can one get rid of the bumps on the forehead?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have been suffering from bumps on my forehead for the past three months. I have taken two tablets of Fluconazole, Tetemosol soap, Bad ruff cream and Ketazol for a week. I used Whitfield's ointment, but there was no result.

Please suggest.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Thank you for sharing the image and details.

Based on the photo (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity) and history you provided, the bumps on your forehead appear to be closed comedones (clogged pores or whiteheads), which can be caused by a combination of factors like fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis), bacterial acne, product buildup (comedogenic or oily hair or skin products), sweat and poor air circulation (especially with braids or wigs).

Important observations:

You have already used Fluconazole (antifungal orally), Ketoconazole (Ketazol) (topical antifungal), Tetmosol soap (for scabies or mites), Whitfield's ointment (for fungal infections), and Ad rash cream (likely antifungal).

If there has been no improvement for three months, then this is likely not just fungal, or it could be due to a combination of causes, like bacterial acne or irritation from hair or skin products.

Step-by-step treatment plan

Stop all current creams or soaps for now. Overuse of harsh antifungals and soaps can irritate the skin further. Simplify your skincare. Use this simple routine for two to three weeks. In the morning, have a gentle face wash (for example, Cetaphil or oil-free acne wash), moisturizer (non-comedogenic like Neutrogena hydro-boost or ceraVe), and sunscreen (important to protect healing skin).
In the evening, wash your face gently again. Apply Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% or 5% (targets both acne and bacterial components). Use it every other day initially. Add this anti-fungal step (if still suspecting fungal acne): use Nizoral (Ketoconazole 2%) shampoo as a face mask two to three times a week. Apply it on the forehead like a mask. Leave it for five minutes and then wash it off.
Avoid heavy hair and skin products. Check that your hair oils and gels are non-comedogenic.
Avoid using oils like coconut oil on the face or scalp that may drip to the forehead.

I hope this answers your query.

Let me know if I need to assist you further.

Thank you.