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.
- Treatment for seborrheic dermatitis on the face involves applying Ketoconazole Cream 2% twice daily for four weeks or until clinical clearing, as stated in the drug label 1.
- Alternatively, hydrocortisone can be used to temporarily relieve itching associated with seborrheic dermatitis 2.
From the Research
Seborrheic dermatitis on the face should be treated with sertaconazole 2% cream, as it has been shown to be a effective and safe treatment option, with a high level of satisfaction and no relapse of the disease one month after stopping treatment, as demonstrated in a clinical trial study 3. The treatment of seborrheic dermatitis on the face typically involves a combination of antifungal and anti-inflammatory medications.
- Gentle cleansing using a non-soap cleanser once or twice daily is recommended.
- Application of a topical antifungal cream, such as sertaconazole 2% cream, to affected areas once or twice daily for 2-4 weeks can help reduce the yeast population.
- For inflammation, use a low-potency topical corticosteroid, such as hydrocortisone 1% cream, for up to 7-10 days to reduce redness and itching.
- Alternatively, non-steroidal options like pimecrolimus 1% cream or tacrolimus 0.03-0.1% ointment can be used, especially for sensitive areas like around the eyes.
- For maintenance, continue using the antifungal product 1-2 times weekly to prevent recurrence. These treatments work because seborrheic dermatitis is associated with an inflammatory reaction to Malassezia yeast that naturally lives on the skin, as discussed in 4. The antifungals reduce the yeast population while the anti-inflammatory medications address the immune response. A study comparing sertaconazole 2% cream with hydrocortisone 1% cream in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis found that sertaconazole 2% cream was a considerable advancement in the treatment of SD with corticosteroids, with a cure rate somewhat higher in the sertaconazole group 3. Another study found that pimecrolimus 1% cream was an effective and well-tolerated treatment for seborrheic dermatitis, with statistically significant reductions in the scores of all parameters 5. However, the most recent and highest quality study, 3, supports the use of sertaconazole 2% cream as a first-line treatment option.