BACKGROUND
Importance of improving the treatment of oily seborrhea and seborrheic dermatitis is significant. The authors consider the use of low doses of isotretinoin in combination with external preparations for seborrheic dermatitis.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of the application and development of the use of isotretinoin in small doses (isotretinoin dosage and treatment duration) for oily seborrhea (combined with seborrheic dermatitis or acne) — 10—20 mg per day (0.13—0.27 mg/kg per day) in combination with external preparations.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The number of patients equal 30 with oily seborrhoea, including 10 who were diagnosed with seborrheic dermatitis and 20 with acne, were observed. Participants were treated with small doses of isotretinoin combined with external preparations. Cream, containing 0.5 mg betamethasone, 10 mg clotrimazole and 1 mg gentamicin 1–2 times per day for not more than 3 weeks or cream containing 2% ketaconazole 1–2 times per day on lesions foci until improvement of clinical manifestations and losterin naphthalene shampoo 2–3 times per week for 2–3 months on the scalp. The treatment was started with taking isotretinoin in a dose of 10—20 mg per day (0.13—0.27 mg/kg per day) in the evening after meals. In addition, sunblocks and pregnancy control for women of child-bearing age were prescribed. The severity of erythema, desquamation, acne elements and frequency of head washing were clinically assessed. Results after 1, 2 and 3 months of treatment were presented.
RESULTS
The regression of skin manifestations (erythema, desquamation, acne elements) after 1 month of treatment compared to the first day of treatment for some patients was 46%, after 2 months — 88% and after 3 months and more — 92%. The incidence rate of head washing per week before treatment was 5.4±0.3 times per week, after the treatment for a month — a decrease (p<0.01) to 2.7±0.006 times per week, i.e. by 2 times. The treatment duration for the majority of patients was 2 months or 3 months less often.
CONCLUSION
Isotretinoin should be included in the Clinical recommendations for dermatology for oily seborrhea and seborrheic dermatitis as a first-line drug.