Topical Non-Pharmacological Treatment for Facial Seborrheic Dermatitis

Abstract

Facial seborrheic dermatitis (FSD) is a chronic and relapsing inflammatory skin disorder occurring in areas of the face rich in sebaceous glands. It clinically manifests as erythematous scaly macules or plaques, often associated with pruritus. Although the pathogenesis of seborrheic dermatitis is not yet fully understood, Malassezia yeast, hormones, sebum levels, and immune response are known to play important roles. Additional factors including drugs, cold temperatures, and stress may exacerbate the condition. Currently, the available treatments do not cure the disease but relieve symptoms. Various pharmacological treatments are available, including antifungal agents, keratolytics, topical low-potency steroids, and calcineurin inhibitors. All of them provide several benefits, but they also have potential side effects. Seborrheic dermatitis tends to have a chronic, recurrent course. To avoid the long-term use of drugs, topical non-pharmacological products such as cosmetics or medical devices may improve clinical outcomes. Products with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory ingredients such as zinc, piroctone olamine, dihydroavenanthramide, biosaccharide gum-2, and stearyl glycyrrhetinate may speed FSD recovery and avoid flare-ups. Finally, the use of specific cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreens formulated as light creams or gel/creams should be strongly recommended to all FSD patients. We provide a brief review of the most used non-pharmacological cleansers, topical gel/creams, and specific sunscreens in the management of FSD.

Zinc(II) Complexes with Amino Acids for Potential Use in Dermatology: Synthesis, Crystal Structures, and Antibacterial Activity

“…The results revealed that one of the tested complexes demonstrated similar activity to ZnPCA [20,39], and other two demonstrate better antibacterial properties.…”

“…Zinc oxide, zinc gluconate, zinc pyrithione, and zinc 2-pirrolidone 5-carboxylate (ZnPCA) are also common ingredients in sunscreens and anti-acne and anti-dandruff agents [17][18][19][20]. However, to overcome drug resistance, new antimicrobial agents are always required for dermatological disorders, especially for acne vulgaris.…”

Exploring Anti-Fungal, Anti-Microbial and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of a Topical Non-Steroidal Barrier Cream in Face and Chest Seborrheic Dermatitis

“…For mild to moderate facial and chest SD, topical drugs play a key role in the management by reducing erythema and scale production. A variety of treatments including topical corticosteroids, antifungal agents, calcineurin inhibitors and, more recently, non-steroidal creams, are available [14]. To date, it is available a novel nonsteroidal cream (NSC) containing different ingredients, which have been reported to exert effects in SD treatment [14].…”

“…A variety of treatments including topical corticosteroids, antifungal agents, calcineurin inhibitors and, more recently, non-steroidal creams, are available [14]. To date, it is available a novel nonsteroidal cream (NSC) containing different ingredients, which have been reported to exert effects in SD treatment [14]. In particular, this cosmeceutical is composed of: (1) piroctone olamine, that has an anti-fungal property [15][16][17]; (2) zinc salt of L-pyrrolidone carboxylate (PCA), that has anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties [18][19][20];…”

“…(3) hydroxyphenyl propamidobenzoic acid, that has anti-irritant and anti-itch properties [14]; (4) biosaccharide gum-2, that has anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties (patent pending 2019, WO2019020822) and soothing active properties [21]; and (5) stearyl glycyrrhetinate that has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-soothing properties [22].The aim of this study was to evaluate shortterm anti-fungal, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and anti-pruritus properties of this NSC in patients with face and chest SD.…”