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American Journal of Clinical Dermatology
Published in: American Journal of Clinical Dermatology 2/2017

01-04-2017 | Systematic Review

Topical Treatment of Facial Seborrheic Dermatitis: A Systematic Review

Authors: Aditya K. Gupta, Sarah G. Versteeg

Published in: American Journal of Clinical Dermatology | Issue 2/2017

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Abstract

Background

Facial seborrheic dermatitis (SD), a chronic inflammatory skin condition, can impact quality of life, and relapses can be frequent. Three broad categories of agents are used to treat SD: antifungal agents, keratolytics, and corticosteroids. Topical therapies are the first line of defense in treating this condition.

Objective

Our objective was to critically review the published literature on topical treatments for facial SD.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Scopus, Clinicaltrials.gov, MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane library databases for original clinical studies evaluating topical treatments for SD. We then conducted both a critical analysis of the selected studies by grading the evidence and a qualitative comparison of results among and within studies.

Results

A total of 32 studies were eligible for inclusion, encompassing 18 topical treatments for facial SD. Pimecrolimus, the focus of seven of the 32 eligible studies, was the most commonly studied topical treatment.

Conclusion

Promiseb®, desonide, mometasone furoate, and pimecrolimus were found to be effective topical treatments for facial SD, as they had the lowest recurrence rate, highest clearance rate, and the lowest severity scores (e.g., erythema, scaling, and pruritus), respectively. Ciclopirox olamine, ketoconazole, lithium (gluconate and succinate), and tacrolimus are also strongly recommended (level A recommendations) topical treatments for facial SD, as they are consistently effective across high-quality trials (randomized controlled trials).
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Metadata
Title
Topical Treatment of Facial Seborrheic Dermatitis: A Systematic Review
Authors
Aditya K. Gupta
Sarah G. Versteeg
Publication date
01-04-2017
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology / Issue 2/2017
Print ISSN: 1175-0561
Electronic ISSN: 1179-1888
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-016-0232-2

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