Is sebco (seborrhoeic dermatitis treatment) effective for treating seborrhoeic dermatitis?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: June 10, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

From the FDA Drug Label

Seborrheic dermatitis: Ketoconazole Cream 2% should be applied to the affected area twice daily for four weeks or until clinical clearing. If a patient shows no clinical improvement after the treatment period, the diagnosis should be redetermined. The answer to whether Sebco (ketoconazole) is effective for treating seborrhoeic dermatitis is that it can be, as the drug label provides dosage instructions for this condition.

  • Key points:
    • Apply Ketoconazole Cream 2% to the affected area twice daily
    • Treatment duration is four weeks or until clinical clearing
    • If no improvement is seen after the treatment period, the diagnosis should be redetermined 1

From the Research

Sebco is not explicitly mentioned in the provided evidence as a treatment for seborrhoeic dermatitis, however, based on the available information, topical antifungal and anti-inflammatory agents are the mainstay of treatment for this condition. The most recent and highest quality study 2 provides a comprehensive review of the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis, highlighting the importance of topical antifungal and anti-inflammatory agents.

Treatment Options

  • Topical antifungal agents such as ketoconazole gel 2% have been shown to be effective in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis 3
  • Anti-inflammatory agents such as clobetasol propionate shampoo 0·05% combined with ketoconazole shampoo 2% have also been found to be effective in the treatment of moderate to severe scalp seborrhoeic dermatitis 4
  • Other treatment options include lithium gluconate/succinate, coal tar, salicylic acid, selenium sulfide, sodium sulfacetamide, glycerin, benzoyl peroxide, aloe vera, mud treatment, and phototherapy 2

Recommendations

  • For best results, treatment should be tailored to the individual patient's needs and the severity of their condition
  • Topical antifungal and anti-inflammatory agents should be used as first-line treatment for seborrheic dermatitis
  • Patients should be advised to use gentle shampoos and avoid harsh skin care products that can exacerbate the condition
  • In cases of moderate to severe seborrhoeic dermatitis, combination therapy with topical antifungal and anti-inflammatory agents may be necessary 4

Important Considerations

  • Patients should be monitored for signs of improvement or worsening of their condition, and treatment should be adjusted accordingly
  • Potential side effects of treatment, such as irritation or odor, should be discussed with patients and addressed promptly if they occur
  • Patients should be advised to seek medical attention if their symptoms persist or worsen despite treatment.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.