Little Bumps on Your Forehead? Here’s Why

If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and noticed little bumps on your forehead that just won’t go away, no matter how carefully you cleanse, exfoliate, or apply acne creams, you’re not alone. Many people in New York City struggle with these persistent, bumpy breakouts that look like acne but don’t respond to typical treatments.

At Gendler Dermatology in NYC, our team specializes in diagnosing and treating problem-prone skin, and one of the most common concerns we see is misdiagnosed forehead bumps. According to Dr. Gendler, board-certified dermatologist and skin health expert, those bumps may not be acne at all. Instead, you could be dealing with a condition called pityrosporum folliculitis, a skin condition that mimics acne but is actually fungal.

Why Do I Have Little Bumps on My Forehead?

These tiny bumps may appear as whiteheads or clogged pores, often clustered on the forehead, hairline, cheeks, or jawline. You might assume they’re caused by excess oil or poor hygiene, but in many cases, that’s not the real issue.

Dr. Gendler explains that the culprit is often a yeast called Malassezia (formerly known as Pityrosporum). This yeast lives naturally on our skin, but in some people, especially those with oily skin or humid living conditions like New York summers, it can overgrow and infect hair follicles.

How to Get Rid of Little Bumps on the Forehead

Because the root cause is fungal, not bacterial, acne products won’t help, and in some cases, they might even make the condition worse by irritating your skin.

So what does work?

Dr. Gendler recommends a simple and effective approach:

1. Use Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for Your Face

It might sound strange, but anti-dandruff shampoo is often the first line of defense. Shampoos containing antifungal ingredients like ketoconazole or selenium sulfide can reduce yeast on the skin and calm down the infection.

Here’s how to use it:

• Lather the shampoo in your hands.
• Gently massage it onto the affected areas of your face, especially your forehead.
• Leave it on for 2–3 minutes before rinsing.
• Start with every other day and adjust based on how your skin responds.

Yes, this is an off-label use, but one that dermatologists like Dr. Gendler regularly recommend with excellent results.

2. Wash Your Hair Daily

The yeast overgrowth often thrives on oily scalps. Washing your hair every day helps reduce the spread of Malassezia from your scalp to your face, particularly if you have bangs, long hair, or wear hats often.

3. Consider Prescription Antifungals

For more stubborn cases, Dr. Gendler may prescribe a topical or oral antifungal medication to clear the condition faster. These treatments target the root cause and are especially helpful when over-the-counter options aren’t enough.

When to See a Dermatologist in NYC

If you’ve been battling little forehead bumps for weeks or months without improvement, it’s time to stop guessing. A professional diagnosis from a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Gendler can save you time, money, and frustration.

At Gendler Dermatology in New York, we offer personalized skin evaluations to determine whether you’re dealing with acne, fungal folliculitis, or another skin concern entirely. With the right diagnosis, you’ll finally get the right treatment and the clear skin you’ve been working toward.

Real Expert. Real Results.

Dr. Gendler is a recognized authority on treating complex skin conditions, including stubborn or misdiagnosed breakouts. Her approach is rooted in medical expertise and a deep understanding of how the skin behaves, not trends or one-size-fits-all solutions.

Book a Skin Consultation Today

You don’t have to live with confusing, stubborn bumps. Whether it’s pityrosporum folliculitis, true acne, or something else entirely, we’ll get to the bottom of it together. Clearer skin starts with clarity. Book your skin consultation with Dr. Gendler today.