Seborrheic dermatitis is a common and recurrent dermatosis that characteristically involves the scalp, nasolabial folds, eyebrows, glabella, and upper eye lids. It presents as an erythematous, thin scaly patch with a greasy sandpaper texture that varies depending on disease severity. While seborrheic dermatitis most frequently occurs on the face, it can involve other areas of the body especially the chest, abdomen, and axilla. Overall incidence is thought to be between 2-5% of the general population, though this is likely an underestimation. Pruritus is variable, though the signs and symptoms of this disorder are certainly worsened by certain external conditions especially weather, personal perspiration, stress, and poor hygiene. Patients often complain about the red, scaly patches on the face. Antifungal agents are frequently used as monotherapy or in combination regimens in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis. Topical corticosteroids are often used for their anti-inflammatory effects. Long term use of topical steroids on the face is not a preferred treatment modality due to the risk of striae development and other textural changes that occur over time. Therefore, topical crisaborole may be an alternative given its non-corticosteroid anti-inflammatory action. Crisaborole is a phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) inhibitor that increases intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels to exert its anti-inflammatory effects. While it has not previously been investigated for its effects in seborrheic dermatitis, further studies evaluating its role in this disease are warranted. Therefore, the investigators propose a proof of concept study using topical crisaborole 2% ointment on the face for 4 weeks to evaluate the anti-inflammatory action of this agent and its utility in the treatment of facial seborrheic dermatitis.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
30
Application of topical crisaborole 2% ointment on the face for 4 weeks to evaluate the anti-inflammatory action of this agent and its utility in the treatment of facial seborrheic dermatitis.
Dermatology at the Whitaker Clinic
Birmingham, Alabama, United States
Percent Change in ISGA (Investigator's Static Global Assessment) Score
• Investigator's Static Global Assessment (ISGA) is a skin assessment tool utilized in clinical trials. The tool is based on a 5-point scale with 0 or 1 (clear or almost clear) being the best score one could receive, while a score of 4 is the worst score available and indicates severe disease. ISGA will be collected via skin examination to evaluate efficacy of Crisaborole 2% topical ointment in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis. A 0 or 1 (clear or almost clear) on the ISGA would be considered a treatment success. Percent change in ISGA score from baseline to 4 weeks will be measured and reported.
Time frame: Baseline to 4 weeks
Itch NRS (Itch Numeric Rating Scale)
• The Itch Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) is a subject-administered, 11 point horizontal scale anchored at 0 and 10, 0 representing "no itch" and 10 representing "worst itch imaginable." Overall severity of a subject itching is indicated by circling the number that best describes the worst level of itching in the past 24 hours. The Itch NRS (A numeric measurement of itch) will be collected to assess the percentage of improvement of patient reported itching. This will be calculated as a percent changes from baseline in the Itch NRS scale.
Time frame: Baseline to 4 weeks
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.