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1: Int J Dermatol. 2004 Jan;43(1):63-6.Click here to read Links

Itraconazole in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis: a new treatment modality.

Baysal V, Yildirim M, Ozcanli C, Ceyhan AM.

Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Suleyman Demirel, Isparta, Turkey. vahide@med.sdu.edu.tr

BACKGROUND: Due to the high rate of recurrence, seborrheic dermatitis (SD) represents a therapeutic problem. AIM: To evaluate the role of oral itraconazole in the treatment of SD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-two patients with SD were enrolled in the study. All topical and oral treatments were stopped. The patients applied 1% hydrocortisone cream twice daily for 1 month. In addition, they took itraconazole, 200 mg/day, during the first week of the first month and then hydrocortisone cream was stopped and itraconazole (200 mg/day) was given on the first 2 days of the following 11 months. The patients were followed for 2 months without medicine. The severity score was measured at the initial evaluation, and at the first, 12th, and 14th months. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients completed the study. There was a statistically significant decrease in the mean severity score at the first, 12th, and 14th months. On the final evaluation at the 12th month, 19 of the 28 patients showed a complete improvement, and three patients showed a slight improvement. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that itraconazole plays an important role in the treatment of SD.

PMID: 14693026 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Patient Drug Information

  • Itraconazole (Sporanox® )

    Itraconazole capsules are used to treat fungal infections that begin in the lungsand can spread through the body. Itraconazole capsules are also used to treat fungal infections of the fingernails and/or toenails. Itracon...

  • Hydrocortisone Oral (Cortef® , Hydrocortone® )

    Hydrocortisone, a corticosteroid, is similar to a natural hormone produced by your adrenal glands. It is often used to replace this chemical when your body does not make enough of it. It relieves inflammation (swelling, ...

  • Hydrocortisone Topical (Ala-Cort® , Ala-Scalpt® , Anucort-HC® , ...)

    Hydrocortisone is available with or without a prescription. Low-strength preparations (0.5% or 1%) are used without a prescription for the temporary relief of (1) minor skin irritations, itching, and rashes caused by ecz...

  • Source: AHFS Consumer Medication Information