Persistent Red Spot on My Friend's Forehead for Over a Year
Greetings, AskDocs Reddit community, I’m reaching out regarding a peculiar red spot on my friend’s forehead that has been persistent for quite some time—approximately a year or so. Recently, it has become noticeably more vibrant in color. He describes the area as feeling akin to dry skin and admits that he inadvertently scratches it while working. Each time he believes it is healing, he touches it again, preventing it from ever achieving the smooth skin texture found on the remainder of his forehead, regardless of how long he refrains from scratching. I would appreciate your insights into what this condition may be and any recommendations on how to address it. As for his details: - Male - Height: 5 feet 7 inches - Age: 34 years - Weight: 213 lbs - Not currently on any medication Any guidance would be greatly valued! Thank you for your assistance!
Answers (1)
2/5/2026, 7:50:31 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like your friend is dealing with a persistent red spot on his forehead that has been there for over a year and is now more pronounced. This could be due to a number of issues, such as a benign skin condition (like a seborrheic keratosis or dermatitis) or possibly an irritant, especially since he has been scratching it.
Explanation
The fact that the area feels dry and becomes redder with irritation suggests it may involve inflammation or irritation of the skin. Constant scratching could indeed prevent it from healing properly, leading to a cycle where it remains red and irritated.
Next Steps
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Cease Scratching: Encourage your friend to avoid touching or scratching the affected area to allow it to heal. Consider using a bandage temporarily to remind him not to scratch it.
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Moisturize: Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer on the spot daily. This can help alleviate the dryness.
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Limit Irritation: Suggest he avoids harsh skin products (like exfoliants or strong cleansers) on that area.
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Monitor Changes: Keep track of any changes in color, size, or texture. If it continues to worsen or doesn't improve with these changes, it may be prudent to see a dermatologist for a professional evaluation.
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Avoid Sun Exposure: Advise him to protect the area from sun exposure. Wearing a hat or using sunscreen can help prevent further irritation and redness.
It's important for your friend to take these measures seriously, particularly since the spot has persisted and changed over time. If there are any sudden changes, such as pain, bleeding, or if the spot does not improve, seeking professional advice would be the best course of action.
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