Forehead Swelling Between Eyebrows: Causes & When to Seek Care

Glabellar / Forehead Swelling – Differential Diagnosis

The area between the eyebrows (glabella) overlies the frontal sinus, nasal root, and rich vascular/lymphatic networks.

Common Causes

Cause	Typical Features
Insect bite / sting	Acute, itchy, erythematous papule; central punctum
Trauma / contusion	History of impact; ecchymosis evolves over days
Preseptal cellulitis	Erythema, warmth, swelling; eye may swell shut; no ophthalmoplegia
Sinusitis (frontal/ethmoid)	Pressure, purulent discharge, fever; worse bending forward
Dermoid / epidermoid cyst	Midline, mobile, non‑tender; present since childhood
Lipoma	Soft, mobile, non‑tender; slow growing
Osteoma (frontal bone)	Hard, fixed, non‑tender; imaging confirms
Abscess (furuncle, post‑procedure)	Fluctuant, painful, pointing; may drain
Allergic contact dermatitis	Itchy, vesicular; exposure history (cosmetics, metals)
Malignancy (rare)	Firm, fixed, ulcerated, progressive; biopsy needed

Red Flags – Seek Care Promptly

• Rapid expansion, severe pain, fever >38.5°C (101.3°F).
• Vision changes, diplopia, ophthalmoplegia (suggests orbital extension).
• Neurologic signs (confusion, seizure) – possible intracranial spread.
• Immunocompromised host.
• No improvement after 48‑72 hrs of warm compresses / oral antibiotics (if prescribed).

Initial Self‑Care (If Mild)

• Warm compresses 10‑15 min QID.
• OTC NSAID for pain/inflammation.
• Avoid manipulation / squeezing.