Is seborrheic dermatitis contagious?

Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
Updated on January 14, 2025
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Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as seborrheic eczema, is a chronic, papular, scaly, inflammatory skin disease that occurs in areas where sebum is secreted. It can be accompanied by varying degrees of itching and commonly affects areas such as the face and trunk, where sebaceous glands are abundant. It is more frequently seen in adults and newborns. The exact cause of the disease is still not completely understood. It is generally believed to be related to increased sebum secretion, changes in the chemical composition of sebum, and colonization and infection by Malassezia yeasts. Factors like stress, diet, deficiency of B vitamins, and alcohol consumption can also influence the occurrence and development of the disease. Therefore, seborrheic dermatitis is not contagious.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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What ointment should be used for seborrheic dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as seborrheic eczema, is a chronic papular scaly superficial inflammatory skin disease that occurs in areas where sebum is secreted. It can be accompanied by varying degrees of itchiness and commonly occurs on the scalp, face, chest, back, and other areas rich in sebaceous glands. The general principle for topical treatment of seborrheic dermatitis involves degreasing, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-itching measures. Commonly used topical medications include combined formulations containing corticosteroids and antifungals such as compound ketoconazole and compound econazole. When these are not effective, calcineurin inhibitors such as tacrolimus or pimecrolimus can be used. In cases with exudation and erosion, products like zinc oxide ointment, boric acid zinc oxide menthol cream, and erythromycin eye ointment may be selected.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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Can people with seborrheic dermatitis eat eggs?

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic papular and scaly superficial inflammatory skin disease that occurs in areas where sebum is secreted, and may be accompanied by varying degrees of itching. The causes of this disease are generally believed to be related to increased sebum secretion or changes in its chemical composition, as well as colonization and infection by Malassezia. Additionally, factors such as mental stress, diet, alcohol consumption, deficiency in B vitamins, emotional tension, fatigue, and infections can all affect the occurrence and development of the disease to varying degrees. Therefore, clinically, patients are generally advised to limit their intake of polysaccharides and fats, avoid spicy and irritating foods, abstain from alcohol, and eat more vegetables and fruits. As for eggs, we can eat them with confidence.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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Seborrheic dermatitis facial symptoms

Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as seborrheic eczema, is a chronic papular and scaly superficial inflammatory skin disease that occurs in areas where sebum is secreted, and it can be accompanied by itching of varying degrees. The causes of the disease are generally believed to be related to increased sebum secretion or changes in the chemical composition of the sebum. It is also associated with colonization and infection by Malassezia yeast. Factors such as stress, diet, deficiency of B vitamins, and alcohol consumption can also affect the onset and progression of the disease to varying degrees. When seborrheic dermatitis occurs on the face, its symptoms primarily manifest as initial follicular papules that gradually merge and expand into dark red or yellowish-red patches. These patches have oily or dry scales and in severe cases may exhibit exudation, crusting, erosion, presenting eczema-like changes.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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Seborrheic dermatitis causes

The causes of seborrheic dermatitis are multifaceted. Typically, if one does not pay attention to their diet, consuming spicy, irritating, or overly greasy foods can easily lead to the occurrence of seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis can also occur when there is excessive secretion of male hormones, which leads to overactive sebaceous glands. Additionally, some metabolic disorders and genetic factors are also related to the onset of seborrheic dermatitis. Furthermore, seborrheic dermatitis can be associated with a deficiency in B vitamins, as well as physical and chemical irritants. Frequent scratching of the skin or the use of overly alkaline facial cleansers can promote the occurrence and exacerbation of seborrheic dermatitis. Psychological factors can also lead to the occurrence of seborrheic dermatitis; excessive stress, anxiety, and depression can all trigger the condition.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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The difference between tinea capitis and seborrheic dermatitis

Tinea capitis and seborrheic dermatitis are both skin diseases, but they are very different.Firstly, the types of fungi that cause tinea capitis and seborrheic dermatitis are different. Tinea capitis is mainly caused by fungi such as Trichophyton violaceum and Trichophyton tonsurans, whereas seborrheic dermatitis is predominantly caused by Malassezia.Secondly, their clinical manifestations are also different. The clinical manifestations of seborrheic dermatitis are often less severe than those of tinea capitis.Finally, tinea capitis often does not heal by itself and requires professional treatment, while seborrheic dermatitis can heal on its own, but tends to recur frequently.