Dermatologic Procedures for the Treatment of Seborrheic Dermatitis
October 2024 | Volume 23 | Issue 10 | 819 | Copyright © October 2024
Published online August 2, 2024
Dana Jaalouk BSa, Anika Pulumati BAb, Yanci A. Algarin BSc, Leon Kircik MDd,e,f,g, Naiem T. Issa MD PhDh,i,j,k
aFlorida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL
bUniversity of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO
cEastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA
dIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
ePhysicians Skin Care, PLLC, Louisville, KY
fDermResearch, PLLC, Louisville, KY
gSkin Sciences, PLLC, Louisville, KY
hForefront Dermatology, Vienna, VA
iIssa Research and Consulting, LLC, Springfield, VA
jDepartment of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL
kDepartment of Dermatology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC
Abstract
Background: This paper examines alternative procedural interventions for Seborrheic Dermatitis (SD), aiming to offer clinicians more treatment options and encourage further research.
Method: A search was conducted on PubMed using specific search terms related to SD and various dermatological procedures. Studies in English, focusing on SD in human patients, and in-office treatments were included. Data were analyzed for procedure type, effectiveness, and side effects.
Results: Nine studies were reviewed, covering phototherapy, indole-3-acetic acid photodynamic therapy (IAA-PDT), Picosecond Nd:YAG laser, botulinum toxin (BoNT) injections, triamcinolone injections, hair growth factor therapy, and precision cryotherapy. Most showed significant efficacy in small cohorts with high patient satisfaction. Hair growth factor therapy had long-term benefits, while narrow-band ultraviolet B phototherapy showed relapse within one month. Intense pulsed light with supramolecular salicylic acid, IAA-PDT, and laser therapy reduced sebum output and Malassezia furfur. Triamcinolone injections were effective against SD's immunological aspects. Hair growth factor therapy and precision cryotherapy have been successfully used to treat scalp SD. The role of BoNT in SD is still being explored; however, current evidence does not support its use.
Conclusion: Limited data reveal the need for further research on dermatological procedures for SD. These methods show promise for better patient compliance but face challenges such as cost, variable effectiveness, and unknown long-term safety. Future research should focus on protocol standardization and comprehensive evaluation of long-term outcomes.
J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(10):819-824. doi:10.36849/JDD.8116
INTRODUCTION
Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a common chronic inflammatory skin condition in adolescents and adults. It is characterized by fine, white, or yellowish scales on a greasy base typically affecting sebaceous gland-rich areas (ie, scalp and face).1 Causes include hormonal, lipid, and sebaceous gland factors, Malassezia fungal colonization, and nutritional, neuropsychiatric, and environmental factors.1 Treatment typically involves topical antifungals and corticosteroids, but these can have limited efficacy and side effects.1 Consequently, managing SD can be challenging, prompting the need for alternative therapies. This paper explores procedural interventions for SD, including light- and laser-based therapies, injections, and other specialized methods. Our goal is to provide dermatologists with new insights and encourage further research to advance SD treatment approaches.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A PubMed search was conducted to identify studies related to dermatological procedures for SD treatment. Search terms included "seborrheic dermatitis" AND "treatment" OR "procedures". The inclusion criteria were studies in English, evaluations of in-office procedures, and involving facial and/or scalp SD in humans. The exclusion criteria were non-
