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Review
. 2024 Aug 22;16(8):e67532.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.67532. eCollection 2024 Aug.

Ketoconazole Shampoo for Seborrheic Dermatitis of the Scalp: A Narrative Review

Brynne E Tynes  1 , Coplen D Johnson  2 , Mayuri H Vaish  3 , Brennan Abbott  1 , Jelena Vučenović  4 , Giustino Varrassi  5 , Pooja Potharaju  6 , Yair Lopez Torres  6 , Zachary Lee  6 , Shahab Ahmadzadeh  6 , Sahar Shekoohi  6 , Alan D Kaye  6
Affiliations
Review

Ketoconazole Shampoo for Seborrheic Dermatitis of the Scalp: A Narrative Review

Brynne E Tynes et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a common inflammatory skin condition characterized by itchy, sensitive patches of greasy, flaky skin in areas rich in sebaceous glands, such as the scalp. Cases range from asymptomatic to debilitating, with effective treatment in severe cases proving crucial to patient quality of life. Ketoconazole shampoo is a topical antifungal that is a promising treatment option for individuals affected by this condition.Numerous trials display significant improvement in irritation and scaling of scalp seborrheic dermatitis (SSD) with ketoconazole shampoo treatment. Most studies also report optimally low relapse rates as well as little to no side effects, including rare skin irritation that resolves with cessation of the drug. Based on these findings, ketoconazole shampoo seems to be a safe and effective treatment for SSD.The present investigation reviews knowledge and research regarding ketoconazole shampoo as a treatment for SSD for physician consideration in the clinical setting.

Keywords: ketoconazole; ketoconazole shampoo; narrative review; seborrheic dermatitis; topical antifungal.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

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