What should you know about sebaceous hyperplasia on forehead?

Sebaceous hyperplasia can create smooth, skin-coloured or yellowish bumps on the forehead, sometimes with a small central indentation. Sweat, hair products and hats can irritate the surrounding skin, while acne and other growths may look similar. A clinician assesses the pattern, surface and changes rather than relying on location alone.

Stable bumps without discomfort may simply be observed. If they are cosmetically bothersome, treatment planning considers the number of lesions, their depth, skin tone and how easily the forehead becomes irritated or sun-exposed.

Cleanse gently, choose non-comedogenic products and avoid heavy hair products touching the forehead. Do not scrape, squeeze or apply household acids. These actions can inflame the area and leave marks without addressing the enlarged gland.

Once the diagnosis is clear, a dermatologist may discuss [Electrosurgery](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/electrosurgery/) for selected bumps or [CO2 Laser Resurfacing](/treatments/laser-and-energy/co2-laser-resurfacing/) when a broader treatment plan fits. Protect healing skin from sun as directed.

Arrange an examination if a forehead bump changes quickly, bleeds, crusts, ulcerates, becomes painful or remains inflamed. Following treatment, ask for advice about worsening redness, warmth, drainage, fever, marked swelling or a wound that is slow to settle.

Could hair or skincare products be irritating this area? How certain is the diagnosis? Which method suits the forehead, what aftercare is needed, and when can I restart my usual products?