Comparison of topical and oral Ketoconazole in the treatment of intractable Seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is one of the most common skin diseases.

The purpose of this study was to compare the topical and oral ketoconazole in treatment of intractable cases of seborrheic dermatitis referring to Faghihi Hospital in Shiraz.

This study was performed on 80 cases of intractable seborrheic dermatitis in 1376-1378. The patients were randomized in two treatment groups. Group included 40 patients who were treated with topical ketoconazole cream 2% two times per day for 4 weeks, and group 2 included 40 patients who received oral ketoconazole 200 mg daily for 4 weeks.

Topical ketoconazole clinically cured 35 (87.5%) and oral ketoconazole cured 38 (95%) of patients. This difference was not statistically significant. However topical ketoconazole was accompanied with a lower frequency of side effects than the systemic form.

Both topical and oral ketoconazole can be regarded as a highly effective and safe treatment for seborrheic dermatitis.