The efficacy of 1% metronidazole gel in facial seborrheic dermatitis: a double blind study.
BACKGROUND
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common, chronic inflammatory disease of the skin, characterized by erythematous plaques that are covered with yellow, greasy, scales and may or may not be associated with itching. Although a few studies have suggested use of topical metronidazole for the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis, there is no general consensus about it.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of 1% metronidazole gel and its vehicle alone, in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis.


METHODS
This was a double-blind, prospective, clinical trial. Fifty six patients with seborrheic dermatitis were randomly allocated to either apply 1% metronidazole gel or placebo to their facial lesions, twice daily for 8 weeks. All the patients were evaluated and scored every 2 weeks for 8 weeks. The results were analyzed statistically.


RESULTS
A total of 56 patients entered this study and 53 patients completed the treatment course. There was no significant difference in terms of demographic data and lesions severity score. There were statistically significant differences in the reduction of mean severity scores between the 2 groups at the second, fourth, sixth and eighth weeks of treatment (p<0.05). Metronidazole gel significantly decreased mean of seborrheic dermatitis severity score from the 2nd visit (p<0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Metronidazole gel is an effective treatment for facial seborrheic dermatitis.
Siadat
Amir Hossein
AH
Skin Diseases and Leishmaniasis Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran. amirhossein1@yahoo.com
Iraji
Fariba
F
Shahmoradi
Zabiholahe
Z
Enshaieh
Shahla
S
Taheri
Azam
A
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D012628:Dermatitis, Seborrheic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005148:Facial Dermatoses / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008795:Metronidazole / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D005782:Gels; D008795:Metronidazole