Anti-seborrheics are drugs effective inseborrheic dermatitis.[1]Selenium sulfide,zinc pyrithione,corticosteroids,imidazole antifungals, andsalicylic acid are common anti-seborrheics.
An ideal antiseborrheic should have the following qualities:
Selenium sulfide slows down epidermal proliferation. It is fungicidal toPityrosporum ovale. It also acts as akeratolytic. Selenium sulfide is also known to reduce dryness of scalp andfolliculitis.[2] Systemic toxicity can appear if it is applied to inflamed skin.Hypersensitivity reactions are noted in some people.
Like selenium sulfide,zinc pyrithione (a zinc complex with two chelatingpyrithione anions) also reduces epidermal turnover and inhibits fungal growth.[3][unreliable medical source?] It is often administered withketoconazole for better results. The symptoms do not resolve completely even after prolonged medication.
Topical steroids are used to relieve the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis. It has afungicidal action, and reducesdandruff.[4] The disadvantage is that it has a high relapse rate on discontinuation. Prolonged use can cause poor healing of wounds.
Only a fewimidazole antifungals are effective against seborrheic dermatitis.Ketoconazole was 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.Clotrimazole is also used in treating seborrhoea.
Other drugs like sulfur andresorcinol have also been found useful in treating seborrheic dermatitis. These drugs havekeratolytic andantiseptic properties which may benefit seborrhoea. Salicylic acid has a mild effect on seborrhoea.