Treatment of scalp and facial seborrheic dermatitis with desonide hydrogel 0.05%

Background: Desonide is a low-potency corticosteroid recently formulated in a novel aqueous gel (hydrogel) formulation. Currently US Food and Drug Administration approved for use in the treatment of mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis, this hydrogel formulation may offer aesthetic advantages over traditional vehicles. Objective: To conduct a pilot study evaluating efficacy, tolerability, and patient preference of desonide hydrogel 0.05% for the treatment of scalp and facial seborrheic dermatitis. Methods: Subjects treated affected areas on the face or scalp twice daily for four weeks. Evaluations of pruritus, target area scaling, induration and erythema; static global assessments; and photography were conducted. Results: Ten subjects aged 13 to 73 years with mild scalp or facial seborrheic dermatitis completed the study. Statistically significant reductions in pruritus, target area scaling, erythema, and induration, and significant improvements in static global assessments were demonstrated over Baseline (all P<0.05). Conclusion: Desonide hydrogel 0.05% may provide an effective, well-tolerated, and cosmetically elegant treatment option for scalp and facial seborrheic dermatitis.