Anti-seborrheic

Anti-seborrheicsare drugs effective inseborrheic dermatitis.Selenium sulfide,zinc pyrithione,corticosteroids,imidazole antifungals,andsalicylic acidare common anti-seborrheics.

Ideal anti-seborrheic

An ideal antiseborrheic should have the following qualities:

• It should be non-toxic.
• It should relievepruritus.
• It should not cause excessive dryness.
• It should have a wide antibacterial and antifungal spectrum.

Specific anti-seborrheic agents

Selenium sulfide

Selenium sulfideslows down epidermal proliferation. It is fungicidal toPityrosporum ovale.It also acts as akeratolytic.Selenium sulfide is also known to reduce dryness of scalp andfolliculitis.Systemic toxicity can appear if it is applied to inflamed skin.Hypersensitivityreactions are noted in some people.

Zinc pyrithione

Like selenium sulfide,zinc pyrithione(a zinc complex with two chelatingpyrithioneanions) also reduces epidermal turnover and inhibits fungal growth.It is often administered withketoconazolefor better results. The symptoms do not resolve completely even after prolonged medication.

Corticosteroids

Main article:Corticosteroid

Topical steroids are used to relieve the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis. It has afungicidalaction, and reducesdandruff.The disadvantage is that it has a high relapse rate on discontinuation. Prolonged use can cause poor healing of wounds.

Imidazole antifungals

Only a fewimidazole antifungalsare effective against seborrheic dermatitis.Ketoconazolewas found to be the most active againstPityrosporum ovale.It is available in both oral and topical formulations. It is also available as cream, gel and tablet. Unlike other drugs, it does not cause skin irritation orphototoxicity.Clotrimazoleis also used in treating seborrhoea.

Other drugs

Other drugs like sulfur andresorcinolhave also been found useful in treating seborrheic dermatitis. These drugs havekeratolyticandantisepticproperties which may benefit seborrhoea. Salicylic acid has a mild effect on seborrhoea.