Issue 8/2024
Alexiev, T., Ivanova, Z.
Section of Dermatology and Venereology, Department of Propaedeutics of Surgical Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University – Plovdiv
Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a chronic-relapsing, inflammatory skin disease with an incompletely understood pathogenesis. Тhe hypercolonization of the skin with Malassezia spp. is considered to be the basis of SD, in combination with various predisposing factors, such as hyperfunction of the sebaceous glands, disturbance in the skin barrier and the skin microbiome. The condition affects both newborns and adults and affects the areas rich in sebaceous glands – scalp, face, sternum. The treatment of SD depends on its clinical severity. The goal of the therapy is to reduce sebum production, colonization with Malassezia spp. аnd to control inflammation. Most patients need a combined approach of topical agents to achieve and maintain remission. Conventional therapy includes the use of topical corticosteroids and antifungals. Other commonly used ingredients are selenium sulfide, zinc pyrithione, tar, salicylic acid, sulfur, sulfacetamide. The increasing frequency of the condition and its more severe course lead to an increase in the use of local corticosteroid therapy, sometimes initiated by the patient, without a doctor‘s prescription. The long-term use of local corticosteroids has its side effects and often leads to habituation. It is for this reason that in recent years replacement therapy and improvement of cosmetic care have been increasingly actively sought, in order to maintain remission in patients with SD.
Аddress for correspondence:
Alexiev, T.
Section of Dermatology and Venereology,
Department of Surgical Propaedeutics
Diseases, Faculty of Medicine,
Medical University – Plovdiv
15A, Vasil Aprilov, Str.
4000, Plovdiv