A double blind study of the effectiveness of sertaconazole 2% cream vs. metronidazole 1% gel in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis

Abstract

Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is generally treated with topical steroids, antifungals, or both. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of sertaconazole 2% cream vs. metronidazole 1% gel in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis. A group of 156 patients suffering from SD were studied. The patients were randomly divided into two groups. The first group received local sertaconazole 2% cream and they were recommended to use the cream twice a day for 4 weeks. In the control group, thirty patients received metronidazole 1% gel twice a day for four weeks. At the point of referral, and also 2 and 4 weeks after the first visit, the patients were examined by a dermatologist to identify improvement of clinical symptoms. A higher level of satisfaction was observed after 28 days in the sertaconazole group (87.1%) than the metronidazole group (56.4%). Considering its efficacy, safety, and acceptability profiles, sertaconazole 2% cream is a worthwhile alternative to existing antifungal therapies for the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis.