Seborrheic dermatitis is contagious or not, there is an answer
Content
- Mechanisms of development and symptoms of the disease
- Classification of dermatitis
- Can you get seborrheic dermatitis?
- Prevention of dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis does not pose a serious danger to the patient, but from an aesthetic point of view, seborrhea looks unpleasant.

As a rule, it is chronic and manifests itself not only on the scalp, but also on the face. In this case, there is reddening of the skin, rash and the formation of seborrheic crusts. The rash is characterized by severe itching, so many patients have a completely natural question: is seborrheic dermatitis contagious? In order to find out the route of infection, it is necessary to know the etiology, development factors and symptoms of the disease.
Mechanisms of development and symptoms of the disease
The main causes of seborrheic dermatitis include:
- individual susceptibility of the organism;
- exposure to ultraviolet rays;
- emotional and nervous stress;
- eating disorders;
- unfavorable ecological situation in the region of residence of the patient;
- hereditary predisposition;
- hypersensitivity of the immune system.

It should be noted that any dermatitis has typical symptoms, regardless of the factors that caused its exacerbation.
Classification of dermatitis
The most common contact (simple), allergic, atopic and seborrheic dermatitis.
CONTACT. This type of disease is caused by aggressive exposure to external irritants (acid, alkali, ultraviolet radiation, etc.). It is NOT TRANSMITTED from person to person.
ALLERGIC. It develops as a result of exposure to an irritant on an organism prone to allergies. Like other forms of dermatitis, allergic one CANNOT BE TRANSMITTED BY CONTACT, therefore it does not pose a danger to other people.
ATOPIC. Atopic dermatitis - has an allergic nature of the disease and is transmitted INHERITANCE. However, it should be understood that it is not a disease that is genetically transmitted, but a tendency to develop it. Atopic dermatitis does not have an infectious pathway of development, therefore not transmitted by direct contact.
INFECTIOUS. This form of the disease, like others, despite being classified as infectious dermatitis, is safe for healthy people. The question is that this type of disease is quite often provoked by various infections that may well be transmitted from person to person. In other words, upon contact of a healthy person with a patient who has been diagnosed with infectious dermatitis, VIRUS AND INFECTION TRANSMISSION of the immediate cause of the disease MAY occur.
Can you get seborrheic dermatitis?
Despite the fact that medicine does not stand still, today there is no single factor contributing to the development of the seborrheic form of the disease.
Based on the known causes and mechanism of action of other forms of dermatological diseases, it has been PROVED that that the opinion of some people that seborrheic dermatitis is contagious is fundamentally wrong.
This form of the disease is provoked by endocrine and trophic disorders associated with hypersecretion of the sebaceous gland, which is manifested by rashes in the face and scalp. The main factors in the appearance of the seborrheic form of the disease are the fungal spores of Pityrosporum. Nevertheless, for the occurrence of negative symptoms in the head area, first of all, the patient's immune system must be weakened. This is the main condition for the development of this disease.

Therefore, we can confidently say that seborrheic dermatitis does not belong to that part of infectious diseases that are transmitted by direct contact of people. In addition, this type of dermatitis is not only NOT INFECTED, but also NOT INHERENTED! The offspring inherits only a predisposition to dermatitis, manifested by hypersecretion of the sebaceous glands.
Patients with seborrheic dermatitis who are asking whether dermatitis is contagious should be aware that this disease has NO CONTACT ROUTES. He is not able to move from a sick person to a healthy person during a handshake, kiss, etc., therefore, he does not imply isolation of the patient from the people around him. The patient should only adhere to a hypoallergenic diet and strictly follow medical prescriptions.
Prevention of dermatitis
Of no small importance in preventing unpleasant manifestations in the head and face is the prevention of the development of seborrheic dermatitis. As a rule, there are no special obstacles and difficulties for its observance.
- The patient needs to observe personal hygiene and give up the bad habit of squeezing out acne. With increased fat content of the skin, especially in the head area, it is recommended to use drying cosmetics. Men should give up beards and mustaches.
- It is important to follow the diet, consuming large amounts of vegetable fiber and vitamins. Perform hardening procedures accompanied by an active lifestyle. In addition, it is important to avoid nervous tension in the body, as very often this leads to an exacerbation of the process.
It must be remembered that treatment and timely prevention of the disease should be carried out under the supervision of the attending physician, which allows you to get a longer remission.
