How Do You Get Seborrheic Dermatitis?
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that can affect people of all ages. It usually appears as a red, itchy rash on the scalp, face, chest, or back. In some cases, it may also cause dandruff. Seborrheic dermatitis is not contagious and is not caused by poor hygiene. The exact cause is unknown, but it is thought to be related to an overgrowth of a type of yeast that is normally present on the skin. Treatment usually involves using medicated shampoos or creams. In severe cases, oral antifungal medications may be necessary.
The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis is unknown, but it is thought to be related to an overgrowth of a yeast called Malassezia. This yeast is found on the skin of most people, but it does not usually cause any problems. It is not clear why some people get seborrheic dermatitis when the yeast grows too much.
There are several things that can trigger seborrheic dermatitis or make it worse. These include:
- Stress
- Cold weather
- Hormonal changes
- Oily skin
- Weak immunity
If you have seborrheic dermatitis, you may notice that your symptoms get worse in times of stress or when the weather is cold. Hormonal changes can also trigger a flare-up. For example, seborrheic dermatitis often gets worse around the time of puberty or during pregnancy.
Seborrheic dermatitis is more common in people with oily skin. This is because the yeast that causes the condition loves to grow in oily areas. People with conditions that cause a weak immune system are also at increased risk for seborrheic dermatitis. This includes people with HIV/AIDS and those undergoing chemotherapy.
If you think you have seborrheic dermatitis, it is important to see a doctor for treatment. The condition can usually be controlled with over-the-counter antifungal creams or shampoos. In severe cases, a prescription cream or shampoo may be necessary. dandruff on your scalp.
The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis isn't known. It might be due to an overgrowth of yeast on your skin. Or it could be allergies, hormones, or a genetic predisposition.
Seborrheic dermatitis is more common in people with certain medical conditions, such as:
- Psoriasis
- Eczema
- Parkinson's disease
- HIV/AIDS
It's also more common in people who are overweight or have oily skin. People who have a job that requires them to wash their hands often (such as healthcare workers) are also at higher risk.
Symptoms of Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis can cause several different symptoms, depending on where it appears on your body. It typically appears as one or more of the following:
- Scaly patches or flakes of skin that may be oily or crusty
- Itching
- Redness
- Dandruff