Is seborrheic dermatitis contagious?
Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin disease that is characterized by the presence of erythematous plaques, i.e. red plaques covered with greasy scales, which are actually dead cells that detach from the skin. These lesions develop on areas where sebum accumulates and is present in large quantities; these areas of the skin are known as "oily".
Excess sebum on the surface of our skin changes the environment, which can promote the abnormal proliferation of yeasts of the Malassezia genus. These yeasts are naturally present on the surface of the skin and are usually harmless. However, when present in greater numbers, they can become disease-causing and may induce inflammation of the skin, resulting in symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis. Yeasts of the Malassezia genus do not cause infection, simply inflammation and desquamation, which is why seborrheic dermatitis is not contagious and cannot be transmitted to another individual.
Seborrheic dermatitis, although benign, is a chronic condition because it evolves in flare-ups and can therefore recur at any time. It is not a serious disease but can be unpleasant and may have a major impact on individuals who suffer from it due to its highly visible nature.
In order to manage your seborrheic dermatitis, please do not hesitate to consult your physician. Once the diagnosis has been confirmed, he or she will prescribe an appropriate treatment and will provide you with plenty of advice on how to fight your seborrheic dermatitis on a daily basis and how to reduce its symptoms.
Excess sebum on the surface of our skin changes the environment, which can promote the abnormal proliferation of yeasts of the Malassezia genus. These yeasts are naturally present on the surface of the skin and are usually harmless. However, when present in greater numbers, they can become disease-causing and may induce inflammation of the skin, resulting in symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis. Yeasts of the Malassezia genus do not cause infection, simply inflammation and desquamation, which is why seborrheic dermatitis is not contagious and cannot be transmitted to another individual.
Seborrheic dermatitis, although benign, is a chronic condition because it evolves in flare-ups and can therefore recur at any time. It is not a serious disease but can be unpleasant and may have a major impact on individuals who suffer from it due to its highly visible nature.
In order to manage your seborrheic dermatitis, please do not hesitate to consult your physician. Once the diagnosis has been confirmed, he or she will prescribe an appropriate treatment and will provide you with plenty of advice on how to fight your seborrheic dermatitis on a daily basis and how to reduce its symptoms.