Epidemiology and dermatological comorbidity of seborrhoeic dermatitis: population‐based study in 161 269 employees

Abstract

Summary Background Seborrhoeic dermatitis is a common but epidemiologically poorly researched chronic skin disease. Objectives To characterize the prevalence and dermatological comorbidity of seborrhoeic dermatitis in Germany. Methods In the course of voluntary company skin checks, full‐body examinations were carried out in more than 500 companies by experienced dermatologists and documented electronically. Results In total, 161 269 participants were included (men 55·5%, mean age 43·2 ± 10·9 years). Seborrhoeic dermatitis was identified in 3·2% (men 4·6%, women 1·4%). A significant difference was found between age groups (2·0% in < 35; 3·6% in 35–64; 4·4% ≥ 65 years). The most frequent concomitant skin conditions were: folliculitis [17·0%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 15·9–18·1], onychomycosis (9·1%, 95% CI 8·3–10·0), tinea pedis (7·1%, 95% CI 6·3–7·8), rosacea (4·1%, 95% CI 3·6–4·7), acne (4·0%, 95% CI 3·4–4·5) and psoriasis (2·7%, 95% CI 2·3–3·2). Regression analysis revealed the following relative dermatological comorbidities when controlling for age and sex: folliculitis [odds ratio (OR) 2·1, 95% CI 2·0–2·3], contact dermatitis (OR 1·8, 95% CI 1·1–2·8), intertriginous dermatitis (OR 1·8, 95% CI 1·4–2·2), rosacea (OR 1·6, 95% CI 1·4–1·8), acne (OR 1·4, 95% CI 1·2–1·7), pyoderma (OR 1·4, 95% CI 1·1–1·8), tinea corporis (OR 1·4, 95% CI 1·0–2·0), pityriasis versicolor (OR 1·3, 95% CI 1·0–1·7) and psoriasis (OR 1·2, 95% CI 1·0–1·5). Conclusions Seborrhoeic dermatitis is a common disease, which is more prevalent in men and older people, and it has an increased rate of dermatological comorbidity. However, absolute differences in the prevalence of comorbidities are small and negligible. Nevertheless, the findings underline the need for integrated, complete dermatological diagnostics and therapy.

Malassezia-Associated Skin Diseases, the Use of Diagnostics and Treatment

“…Seborrheic dermatitis is a relative common dermatosis and few recent meticulous studies have addressed the point prevalence of this disease. Thus the point prevalence of seborrheic dermatitis in 161,269 working individuals in Germany (Zander et al, 2019) was recorded to be 3.2% with seborrheic dermatitis being three times more common in men than in women. Also, seborrheic dermatitis prevalence increased with age (2.0% in <35 years; 3.6% in 35-64 years; 4.4% ≥65 years) and there was an association with other fungal diseases such as tinea pedis, onychomycosis and pityriasis versicolor.…”

Parkinson's disease and skin

“…Estimates of SD prevalence in PD range from 18.6% [63] to 59% [79] compared to a point prevalence of 3.2% in the general population and 4.4% in those older than 65 years [80]. Since SD is quite common, mere co-occurrence with a neurological disorder does not necessarily imply causation.…”

The Evaluation of 2D/4D Finger Ratios in Seborrheic Dermatitis Cases

“…Seborrheic dermatitis is a common inflammatory dermatosis and there are multiple factors in its pathogenesis. Pityrosporum ovale, androgen hormones, nutritional factors, atopy, the amount and structure of lipids in the skin, lipase activity, genetic and mental stress are effective in the pathogenesis of seborrheic dermatitis (1). One of the most important of these factors is the role of androgens on the sebaceous glands.…”

“…Seborrheic dermatitis is a superficial inflammatory skin disease characterized by chronic, recurrent, erythematous, infiltrated, oily yellowish-scaled lesions in the body-rich areas of sebaceous glands (1). This dermatosis, whose etiopathogenesis is not fully elucidated, is more common in men than in women.…”