Clinical effect of topical ketoconazole in seborrheic dermatitis of scalp

Kim, Seong Jin; Won, Young Ho; Chun, Inn Ki

Abstract

An etiologic agent in seborrheic dermatitis is now considered to be due to Pityrosporum ovale. The connection between the yeast and the disease has been clearly dernonstrated in a number of patients treatd with antifungal agents. However, the fact, that Pityrosporum ovale (Pityrosporum orbiculare) belongs to the normal human cutaneou. flora makes it difficult, to explain the role of the organism in seborrheic dermatitis. In this clinical study, twenty eight subjects were divided into two group by treatment regimen of topical 2% ketoconazole shampoo(TKS)and 0.3% prednisolone valerate solution (PVS). Before and during the four weeks treatment periods, the number of Pityrosporum ovale on the scalp were evaluated by scrub Giemsa staining method, which estimat,ed by score scale, under direct. microscopic examination. Also clinical symptoms including erythema, scales and itching were recorded by scores every week and compared between two treatment group. Topical application of 2% ketoconazole shampoo(TKS) is a very effective treatment regimen to reduce the yeasr cell score(from 5.8+1.3 to 1.8+1.4) than PVS(from 6.4+1.3 to 3.5+1.5), significantly(p<0.05). So the results of this study acconsistent with the view that density of Pityrosgourum ovale plays a role in the cause and course of seborcheic derrnatitis on the scalp. And antifungal agent(TKS) shows favorable effects ori tnis disease clinically and mycologically.