Efficacy of 1% metronidazole gel in facial seborrhic dermatitis: A double blind study

Background: Seborrhic dermatitis, also known as seborrhic eczema is a common inflammatory disease of the skin, occurring in 2-5% of the population. It is characterized by erythematous plaque that is covered with yellow greasy scale, which may or may not be associated with itching. Although few studies suggested use of topical metronidazole gel in the treatment of seborrhic dermatitis, there is no general consensus about it.
Aims: To evaluate and compare the efficacy of 1% metronidazole gel with its vehicle (placebo) in the treatment of facial seborrhic dermatitis.

Methods: This is a double blind prospective clinical trial. A total 50 patient were included in this study, 44 of them had completed the treatment course of 8 weeks. Patients of both the groups were evaluated with seborrhic dermatitis severity index during the time of entry in the study and at second, fourth, sixth and eighth week.

Results: there was statistically significant difference in the reduction of mean seborrhic dermatitis severity score between the two groups at second, fourth, sixth and eighth week (p=<0.05).
Conclusion: Metronidazole 1% gel topically is an effective treatment for facial seborrhic dermatitis.