title: A novel cosmetic antifungal/anti-inflammatory topical gel for the treatment of mild to moderate seborrheic dermatitis of the face: an open-label trial utilizing clinical evaluation and erythema-directed digital photography.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Topical cosmetic agents may play a role in the management of facial seborrheic dermatitis by reducing inflammation and scale production. Advanced digital photography, equipped with technology able to provide a detailed evaluation of red skin components corresponding to vascular flare (erythema-directed digital photography), is a useful tool for evaluation of erythema in patients affected by inflammatory dermatoses. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of a new cosmetic topical gel containing piroctone olamine, lactoferrin, glycero-phospho-inositol, and Aloe vera for the treatment of facial seborrheic dermatitis by clinical and advanced digital photography evaluation.
  
  
  METHODS
  An open-label, prospective, clinical trial was conducted on 25 patients with mild to moderate facial seborrheic dermatitis. Subjects were instructed to apply the gel twice daily for 45 days. The clinical efficacy was evaluated by measuring at baseline, at day 15 and 45 the degree of desquamation (by clinical examination) and erythema (by digital photography technology via VISIA-CR™ system equipped with RBX™), using a 5-point severity scale, and pruritus (by subject-completed Visual Analogue Scale; scale from 0 to 100 mm). Finally, at baseline and at the end of the study, IGA (Investigator Global Assessment) was performed using a 5-point severity scale (from 0 = worsening to 4 = excellent response).
  
  
  RESULTS
  At the end of treatment, a significant reduction (P<0.001) of all considered parameters was observed. Moreover, an excellent response (>80% improvement) was recorded in 47.9% of patients, with no case of worsening. No signs of local intolerance were documented.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The tested cosmetic topical gel was effective in treating mild to moderate seborrheic dermatitis of the face. Erythema-directed digital photography may represent a noteworthy tool for the therapeutic monitoring of facial seborrheic dermatitis and an important adjunct aid in the dermatologic clinical practice.
authors.affiliation: Dermatology Clinic, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
authors.forename: Federica
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Dall' Oglio
authors.affiliation: Dermatology Clinic, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
authors.forename: Aurora
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tedeschi
authors.affiliation: Dermatology Clinic, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
authors.forename: Carmelinda M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Fusto
authors.affiliation: Dermatology Clinic, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Lacarrubba
authors.affiliation: Dermatology Clinic, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
authors.forename: Franco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Dinotta
authors.affiliation: Dermatology Clinic, University of Catania, Catania, Italy - cldermct@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Micali
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D003358:Cosmetics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D012628:Dermatitis, Seborrheic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D004890:Erythema / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D005148:Facial Dermatoses / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010781:Photography; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000935:Antifungal Agents; D003358:Cosmetics; D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D005782:Gels