Roflumilast and the Changing Landscape of Seborrheic Dermatitis Treatment

Abstract

Objective: This article reviews clinical trial data that assess the safety, efficacy, and clinical application of roflumilast, a phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor, for the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis.

Data sources: A review of the literature was conducted in MEDLINE (Pubmed) and Clinicaltrials.gov from January 1, 1950 to April 13, 2025 using the search terms: "Roflumilast" and "seborrheic dermatitis."

Study selection and data extraction: Relevant articles in English relating to the safety, efficacy, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics were included.

Data synthesis: In one phase IIa clinical trial, 73.8% of patients treated with roflumilast achieved Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) success, compared with 40.9% in the vehicle group at 8 weeks (P < 0.001). A phase III trial found 79.5% of patients in the roflumilast group achieved IGA success at week 8, compared with 58.0% in the vehicle group (P < 0.001). Furthermore, there were statistically significant reductions in erythema, scaling, and itch severity in the roflumilast group. Roflumilast was well tolerated, with adverse events comparable with vehicle foam.Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice in Comparison to Existing Drugs:Roflumilast is the first phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis. Based on 2 clinical trials, roflumilast has a positive safety profile, is efficacious, and is easy to apply, highlighting its utility in treating seborrheic dermatitis.

Conclusion: Roflumilast is effective in treating seborrheic dermatitis. Future trials should compare its safety and efficacy with other drugs.

Keywords: phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor; roflumilast; seborrheic dermatitis; seborrheic dermatitis treatment.