A double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial of lithium succinate ointment in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis. Efalith Multicenter Trial Group.
BACKGROUND
Seborrheic dermatitis, an inflammatory dermatosis that principally affects sebaceous areas, may be related to the presence of the yeast Pityrosporum ovale. Topical therapy with corticosteroids, although in general effective, may be associated with several unwanted effects. The development of alternative non-steroid-based therapies may enable patients to avoid the use of topical steroids and help elucidate the pathogenesis of the disease.


OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of an ointment containing 8% lithium succinate in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis.


METHODS
The study consisted of a multicenter placebo-controlled clinical trial in 227 adult patients.


RESULTS
Lithium succinate ointment was significantly more effective than placebo in treating all the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis. No specific unwanted effects were associated with its use. Relapse was slow when treatment was stopped.


CONCLUSIONS
The effectiveness of lithium succinate ointment in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis adds to the evidence implicating P. ovale in the pathogenesis of that condition.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D012628:Dermatitis, Seborrheic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009824:Ointments; D009942:Organometallic Compounds / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013386:Succinates / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D009824:Ointments; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D013386:Succinates; C038377:lithium succinate