Efficacy of Topical Rosemary Extract Lotion Versus Topical 2% Ketoconazole Lotion in the Treatment of Seborrheic Dermatitis: A Double Blind Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract

Introduction: Seborrheic dermatitis manifests as greasy, itchy lesions, commonly affecting sebum-rich areas like the scalp and face. Its prevalence is 11.6% in the general population, with various internal and environmental factors contributing to its development. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of rosemary extract lotion in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis in comparison with topical 2% ketoconazole lotion. Methods: This double-blind, randomized clinical trial included 42 patients with scalp seborrheic dermatitis, divided into rosemary and ketoconazole lotion groups. Both lotions were applied twice daily for 2 months. The severity of scalp dandruff was assessed using the Adherent Scalp Flaking Score. Itchiness of the scalp and quality of life were assessed using itchy quant and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), respectively. Stata software was applied for statistical analysis. Results: The reduction in the Adherent Scalp Flaking Score score was statistically significant the ketoconazole group compared to the patients in the rosemary group (P value = 0.011). However, the reduction in itching score was statistically significant more in the rosemary group at the end of the first and second months in comparison to the ketoconazole group (P value < 0.001). The statistical analysis demonstrated no significant difference in the reduction of DLQI scores between the rosemary and ketoconazole groups at the end of 1 and 2 months after starting the treatment in both crud and adjustment with base-line score analysis. Conclusion: Both rosemary and ketoconazole lotions were effective in treating scalp seborrheic dermatitis and decreasing the patient's DLQI score.

Keywords

• Rosmarinus
• Herbal Medicine
• Seborrheic dermatitis
• Skin Diseases
• complementary therapies