SEVERE PIMPLES ON MY FOREHEAD
I’m a 16-year-old boy who exercises extensively. Of late, I have noticed painful red pimples erupt on my forehead. Is there a way to get rid of the pimples?
AThe sudden eruption of multiple painful red ‘pimples’ mainly on your forehead is more likely suggestive of a diagnosis of eruptive folliculitis (hair follicle infection). Folliculitis is mostly caused by bacterial infection and staphylococcus is the most common bacteria involved. However, in many cases, streptococcus and certain species of bacteria can also cause folliculitic lesions. Your indulgence in extensive exercise can also be considered as one of the precipitating factor for your skin lesions. Such strenuous physical activity usually produces excessive sweating which can over-humidify the hair follicle making it first inflamed and then infected. Any frictional component involved in your exercise regime at the gym, or even use of headbands can further increase the risk of folliculitic eruptions on these areas. Similarly, consumption of high-caloric protein shakes “prescribed” by the personal/ gym trainers after the exercise sessions also significantly contribute in precipitating or aggravating such folliculitic eruptions. However, most cases usually also develop skin lesions on upper chest, upper and lower back as well.
To effectively treat your complaints, your dermatologist will need to take a skin swab from the affected areas for a bacterial culture and drug sensitivity. Depending on the result, he can select an appropriate course of medication.
Topical antiseptic solutions alone or in conjunction with antibacterial creams or gels usually provide a supplementary support to the oral antibiotic treatment. Avoid poking/ breaking your pimples, as this will lead to a significant delay in the recovery process and greatly enhance risks of causing dark patches of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or even skin scarring.