From the Guidelines
The recommended treatment for seborrheic dermatitis includes the use of topical antifungal medications to reduce the amount of yeast present and topical anti-inflammatory medications to reduce inflammation and itch. When considering treatment options, it's essential to understand that seborrheic dermatitis is a common condition affecting the ears, scalp, central face, and other sebaceous areas of the skin, presenting with greasy yellowish scaling, itching, and secondary inflammation from Malassezia yeast 1. Some key points to consider in treatment include:
- The use of topical antifungal medications to reduce yeast populations
- The application of topical anti-inflammatory medications to decrease redness, scaling, and itching
- Avoiding triggers like stress and harsh skin products
- Maintaining good skin hygiene without over-washing, as excessive cleansing can worsen symptoms Given the information from the study on dermatoses of the ear canal, including seborrheic dermatitis 1, it's clear that a combination of antifungal and anti-inflammatory treatments is the most effective approach for managing this condition.
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. temporarily relieves itching associated with minor skin irritations, inflammation, and rashes due to: ... seborrheic dermatitis
The recommended treatment for seborrheic dermatitis includes:
- Ketoconazole Cream 2% applied twice daily for four weeks or until clinical clearing 2
- Hydrocortisone for temporary relief of itching associated with seborrheic dermatitis 3
From the Research
Treatment Options for Seborrheic Dermatitis
The treatment for seborrheic dermatitis typically involves a combination of topical and oral medications, as well as lifestyle changes. Some of the recommended treatment options include:
- Topical antifungal agents, such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, and terbinafine, which can help reduce the number of yeasts on the skin and alleviate symptoms 4, 5, 6
- Topical corticosteroids, which can help reduce inflammation and itching, but should be used only for short durations due to possible adverse effects 5, 6
- Antifungal shampoos, which can be used to treat seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp 5, 6
- Oral antifungal agents, such as itraconazole, terbinafine, and fluconazole, which can be prescribed in severe or unresponsive cases 7, 4, 8
Recommended Treatment Regimens
Some studies have investigated the efficacy of different treatment regimens for seborrheic dermatitis, including:
- Fluconazole 50 mg/day for 2 weeks, which was found to be effective in treating seborrheic dermatitis in one study 7
- Itraconazole 200 mg/day for the first week of the month, followed by 200 mg/day for the first 2 days for 2-11 months, which was found to be effective in treating seborrheic dermatitis in another study 8
- Terbinafine 250 mg/day for 4-6 weeks, which was found to be effective in treating seborrheic dermatitis in one study 8
Lifestyle Changes
In addition to medical treatment, some lifestyle changes can help manage seborrheic dermatitis, including:
- Keeping the skin clean and dry
- Avoiding harsh soaps and shampoos
- Using gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers
- Reducing stress, which can trigger or exacerbate symptoms 5