Forehead swelling can be the result of an allergic reaction that occurs when the skin touches a fabric that it finds irritating, such as that worn on a hat.
Forehead swelling can occur as a result of a wide variety of conditions. It is usually a symptom of another underlying problem and is usually not considered serious or life-threatening. Some of the common causes of forehead swelling include skin problems, but the swelling can also be a sign of an internal disease affecting the head.
One of the most common causes of forehead swelling is contact dermatitis, an allergic reaction that occurs when the skin touches a substance that it finds irritating. Irritants that can aggravate the skin and lead to contact dermatitis can include cosmetics, fragrances, metals, or fabrics. If one of these irritants comes into contact with the forehead, such as from cosmetics or the fabric lining of a hat, the area can become red, itchy, and swollen. Contact dermatitis can usually be treated with topical corticosteroids, which relieve the symptoms of the reaction.
Overexposure to the sun can cause swelling of the forehead.
Another skin condition that can contribute to forehead swelling is sunburn. Overexposure to the sun can lead to severe sunburn that can actually cause blisters, as well as mild swelling of the affected area. The skin needs to regenerate new cells to heal burns, but certain treatments can be used to relieve pain, including applying cold compresses or aloe vera gel to the sunburn.
Forehead swelling can be the result of a head injury.
Forehead swelling can also be caused by a skin condition known as sebaceous cysts. A sebaceous cyst is a small tumor that develops when the sebaceous glands in the skin produce excessive amounts of oil. The oil can accumulate under the skin and form a cyst. The forehead is one of the areas of the skin that is usually more prone to excess fat; therefore, it is one of the most common sites on the skin where these cysts form. Sebaceous cysts can form under the surface of the skin on the forehead and cause pain and swelling in the area.
Aloe gel has a calming effect on the skin.
While most cases of forehead swelling are due to skin problems, swelling can also be caused by a physical injury to the forehead. If a person sustains trauma to the forehead, fluids can collect in the area and cause swelling. Application of a cold compress to the forehead is often recommended as sufficient treatment to reduce swelling; however, if a person who has sustained a head injury also has other symptoms, such as dizziness, nausea, fever, or disorientation, it could be a sign of a concussion or other serious head injury, and medical attention is usually recommended .
