Efficiency of terbinafine 1% cream in comparison with ketoconazole 2% cream and placebo in patients with facial seborrheic dermatitis.

Objective

Different medicines have been used to treat seborrheic dermatitis but efficiency of most of them has not been confirmed. This study compared the efficiency of terbinafine 1% cream in comparison with ketoconazole 2% cream and placebo in patients with facial seborrheic dermatitis.

Methods

Ninety patients were randomly divided into three groups (there were 30 persons in each group). The patients consumed one of the medicines twice a day and for 4 weeks. The scores were recorded at the trial beginning, and in the 4th and 12th weeks. Demographic features and disease severity of all three groups were normal at the beginning of the study.

Results

Mean of total score in terbinafine, ketoconazole and placebo groups was decreased from 5.04 ± 2.02, 5.04 ± 1.50 and 4.97 ± 1.71 at the beginning of the study to 1.78 ± 2.47, 1.81 ± 2.43 and 3.73 ± 1.74 at the 12th week. As compared with the placebo group, mean total score significantly decreased in ketoconazole and terbinafine groups (p = 0.003). However, there was not any meaningful difference between ketoconazole and terbinafine groups (p > 0.05). There was not any serious side effect and the recurrence rate and side effects was not meaningfully different in all three groups.

Conclusion

Terbinafine 1% and ketoconazole 2% creams are safe and effective in treating seborrheic dermatitis.