Can You Get Seborrheic Dermatitis On Your Hands?
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that can cause scaly, itchy patches on your skin. It's usually found on your scalp, but it can also occur on other oily parts of your body, such as your face, chest, and back. In rare cases, seborrheic dermatitis can also occur on your hands.
The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis is unknown, but it's thought to be related to an overgrowth of a type of yeast that naturally lives on your skin. Certain factors can trigger an overgrowth of this yeast, such as humid weather, stress, hormonal changes, and certain medical conditions. When this happens, it can lead to inflammation and the formation of scaly, itchy patches.
Seborrheic dermatitis isn't contagious and it isn't caused by poor hygiene. However, the condition can be uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing. If you have seborrheic dermatitis on your hands, you'll likely have red, scaly patches that may be itch or sore. The skin may also crack and bleed.
If you think you have seborrheic dermatitis on your hands, see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis. Treatments for seborrheic dermatitis include medicated creams or shampoos, light therapy, and avoiding triggering factors. With treatment, most people with seborrheic dermatitis can find relief from their symptoms.
Seborrheic dermatitis can affect any area of your body that has oil-producing glands, but it's most common on the scalp. When it occurs on the scalp, it's often referred to as dandruff. It can also occur on your face, usually on the forehead, cheeks, or nose. In rare cases, seborrheic dermatitis can occur on your trunk, arms, or legs. While it can occur anywhere on your body, it's not likely to affect your hands.
The reason seborrheic dermatitis doesn't commonly affect the hands is because they don't have many oil-producing glands. The glands that produce oil are called sebaceous glands, and they're most abundant on the face and scalp. Seborrheic dermatitis occurs when there's an overgrowth of a type of yeast that normally lives on your skin. This yeast feeds on the oils produced by the sebaceous glands. Since the hands don't have many sebaceous glands, there's not enough food for the yeast to grow and cause a reaction.
That said, in rare cases seborrheic dermatitis can occur on the hands. If you have seborrheic dermatitis on your hands, you'll likely notice scaly, itchy patches of skin. The skin may be red or inflamed. In severe cases, the skin may crack and bleed. If you think you may have seborrheic dermatitis on your hands, see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.