Treatment of seborrhoeic dermatitis with ketoconazole: I. Response of seborrhoeic dermatitis of the scalp to topical ketoconazole.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study was made of ketoconazole shampoo in the treatment of 20 subjects with seborrhoeic dermatitis of the scalp. Responses were measured by clinicians using clinical gradings, and by the patients using a linear analogue scale. Scaling and itching of the scalp improved significantly with ketoconazole and no response was seen with placebo. Topical ketoconazole appears to be an effective therapy for seborrhoeic dermatitis of the scalp, and more suitable for long-term treatment than the oral preparation.