title: Low-dose oral isotretinoin for moderate to severe seborrhea and seborrheic dermatitis: a randomized comparative trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The efficacy of low-dose oral isotretinoin in the treatment of seborrhea and seborrheic dermatitis has been poorly investigated in randomized studies.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study was designed to determine the efficacy and safety of low-dose oral isotretinoin in the treatment of moderate to severe seborrhea and seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp and/or face.
  
  
  METHODS
  A randomized, comparative clinical trial, using two groups, was conducted over 6 months. Patients in Group ISO were treated with isotretinoin 10 mg every other day. In Group X, patients received antiseborrheic topical treatment. Patient opinion, investigator assessment, scalp pruritus, sebum production, and quality of life (QoL) comprised the efficacy outcomes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The intention-to-treat population comprised a total of 45 patients with mean ± standard deviation ages of 28.7 ± 5.8 years in Group ISO and 29.8 ± 6.5 years in Group X. The rate of sebum production significantly decreased in Group ISO. Patient opinion, investigator, and QoL assessments improved in both groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Low-dose oral isotretinoin can be a therapeutic modality for moderate to severe seborrhea and seborrheic dermatitis.
authors: Department of Dermatology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (Federal University of São Paulo [UNIFESP]), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors: Cristhine
authors: C
authors: de Souza Leão Kamamoto
authors: Department of Preventive Medicine, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (Federal University of São Paulo [UNIFESP]), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors: Adriana
authors: A
authors: Sanudo
authors: Department of Dermatology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (Federal University of São Paulo [UNIFESP]), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors: Karime M
authors: KM
authors: Hassun
authors: Department of Dermatology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (Federal University of São Paulo [UNIFESP]), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors: Ediléia
authors: E
authors: Bagatin
mesh_terms: D060433:Administration, Ophthalmic; D000328:Adult; D012628:Dermatitis, Seborrheic / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005148:Facial Dermatoses / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015474:Isotretinoin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011537:Pruritus / Q000209:etiology; D011788:Quality of Life; D012536:Scalp Dermatoses / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D012629:Sebum / Q000378:metabolism; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D015474:Isotretinoin