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I am 20 years old. How can I manage forehead acne?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am 20 years old, 5 feet 4 inches tall, and weigh 154 pounds. I have always had acne on my face, especially on my forehead. However, for the past two weeks, I have experienced a sudden outbreak of tiny pimples on one side of my chin.

Now, the pimples are spreading to other parts of my face. I am currently using aloe vera gel.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Misha Saghir

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Misha Saghir is a dedicated dermatologist with expertise in diagnosing and managing a wide range of skin, hair, nail, and cosmetic concerns. Her areas of expertise include acne, pigmentation, eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo, melasma, skin infections, and other hair and nail disorders. With previous experience as a general practitioner in government healthcare, Dr. Misha Saghir combines strong clinical knowledge with a patient-centered approach. She provides evidence-based online consultations, practical treatment plans, clear guidance, and appropriate follow-up care to help patients achieve healthy skin, hair, and nails.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for sharing your query with me. Really sorry for what you were going through, and I appreciate sharing the picture (attachments removed to protect the patient’s identity) for clarity.

I understand your concern, especially since this has appeared suddenly and is spreading. Based on your history and the description of multiple tiny, similar-looking pimples on one side of the chin that are now extending to other areas, this is most suggestive of a monomorphic acneiform eruption, and a strong possibility is Malassezia (fungal) folliculitis rather than routine acne alone.

This condition often presents with small, uniform papules or pustules that can appear abruptly and spread, particularly in individuals who already have acne-prone skin, like in your case, with a long history of forehead acne. Aloe vera gel may soothe the skin slightly, but it will not treat the underlying cause.

At this stage, it is important to start targeted treatment. can apply Ketoconazole 2% cream as a thin layer over the affected areas twice daily for about two to three weeks. Alternatively, a Ketoconazole shampoo as a face wash, leaving it on the skin for a few minutes before rinsing.

Try to avoid heavy creams, oily products, or frequent touching of the area, as these can worsen the condition. Avoid manually popping the pimples, as it can result in pigmentation and scarring.

Keep your skincare routine simple with a gentle cleanser and non-comedogenic moisturizer. If there is significant itching or no improvement within two to three weeks, then you may need to incorporate Adapalene gel.

I hope it helps with your query.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At April 1, 2026
Reviewed At April 6, 2026

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Misha Saghir is a dedicated dermatologist with expertise in diagnosing and managing a wide range of skin, hair, nail, and cosmetic concerns. Her areas of expertise include acne, pigmentation, eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo, melasma, skin infections, and other hair and nail disorders. With previous experience as a general practitioner in government healthcare, Dr. Misha Saghir combines strong clinical knowledge with a patient-centered approach. She provides evidence-based online consultations, practical treatment plans, clear guidance, and appropriate follow-up care to help patients achieve healthy skin, hair, and nails.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Misha Saghir is a dedicated dermatologist with expertise in diagnosing and managing a wide range of skin, hair, nail, and cosmetic concerns. Her areas of expertise include acne, pigmentation, eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo, melasma, skin infections, and other hair and nail disorders. With previous experience as a general practitioner in government healthcare, Dr. Misha Saghir combines strong clinical knowledge with a patient-centered approach. She provides evidence-based online consultations, practical treatment plans, clear guidance, and appropriate follow-up care to help patients achieve healthy skin, hair, and nails.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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