Synonym
Exanthema
Definition
A skin rash on the forehead is also called exanthema in the technical language. Formally speaking, an exanthema represents the appearance of similar skin changes in one area, in this case on the forehead. These can be blisters, scales, spots or similar.
Apart from the forehead, other regions of the body can also be affected. Strictly speaking, the forehead starts above the eye sockets and is limited upwards by the hairline. To the sides it is limited by the temples.
However, these are often affected by a rash on the forehead. An isolated rash on the forehead is rare anyway. Mostly the rash occurs in the context of a disease, which then also affects other parts of the body or at least the rest of the face. Since different diseases can be responsible for a rash on the forehead, there is no uniform definition.
Causes
A skin rash on the forehead can have many different causes. In most cases, other parts of the body apart from the forehead are also affected by the rash. At this point, frequent causes for a rash on the forehead should be mentioned.
Pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites can cause a rash on the forehead. Examples of viral infections are mainly childhood diseases such as measles, rubella or chickenpox. Accompanying symptoms such as fever or rhinitis are typical.
Shingles, which is caused by a herpes virus, can lead to a segmental attack of the forehead. A fungal disease of the skin is also a possible cause. However, other parts of the body are usually also affected.
An example of a bacterial disease is scarlet fever, which affects both children and adults. Apart from the skin rash, swallowing difficulties, fever and swelling of the lymph nodes are characteristic. A rash on the forehead may be due to an allergic or autoimmune cause.
Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus erythematosus, are very rare and are typically accompanied by other symptoms. Neurodermatitis is a very common disease in childhood, which typically leads to dry, itchy skin areas. It is not uncommon for the forehead to be affected, but other areas of skin, such as the sides of the face, are also affected. Furthermore, allergic reactions are possible triggers for a rash on the forehead. Itching of the skin is typical.
