Topical nicotinamide for seborrheic dermatitis: an open randomized study.

BACKGROUND

Treatment of seborrheic dermatitis (SD) includes various options with different success and safety limitations.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of topical nicotinamide (NCT) in the treatment of SD.

METHODS

A total of 48 patients with mild to moderate SD of the face were enrolled in the study (36 males and 12 females; age 20-50 years). Patients were randomized into two groups A and B, who were treated once a day with topical administration of NCT 4% cream and with the vehicle without NCT (placebo), respectively. Clinical measures were assessed by erythema, scaling, and infiltration, which were evaluated using a four-point scale 0-3 before starting treatment and after 2, 6, and 12 weeks' therapy.

RESULTS

In comparison with baseline, a reduction of 75% of the total score was observed in patients treated with NCT, whereas for placebo-treated patients the reduction was of 35% (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Topical NCT 4% can have a potential for the treatment of SD.