Use of topical lithium succinate in the treatment of seborrhoeic dermatitis.

Abstract

Twenty-one patients with seborrhoeic dermatitis were included in an open trial of lithium succinate ointment (LSO) for a total duration of 8 weeks. The same clinician made assessments of the severity of redness, scaling, greasiness and overall clinical impression of the condition every 2 weeks. Because the results appeared to be satisfactory, we decided to perform a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of LSO. Thirty patients with seborrhoeic dermatitis were included. The results also demonstrated the beneficial effect of LSO. A significantly higher number of patients treated with LSO showed remission or marked improvement compared with placebo. The main adverse events demonstrated consisted of minor transient skin irritation and/or stinging sensation. Studying the in vivo inhibitory effect of LSO on the growth of Pityrosporum revealed that Pityrosporum did not significantly have its growth inhibited by lithium. Topical lithium succinate appears to be a safe and an effective treatment for seborrhoeic dermatitis. The product presumably acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.

• Authors: C Cuelenaere, J De Bersaques, A Kint
• Journal: Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland) (Dermatology) Vol. 184 Issue 3 Pg. 194-7 ( 1992) ISSN: 1018-8665 [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 1392111 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Controlled Clinical Trial, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Ointments
• Organometallic Compounds
• Succinates
• Lithium
• lithium succinate

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Dermatitis, Seborrheic (drug therapy, microbiology)
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Humans
• Lithium (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Malassezia (drug effects)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Ointments
• Organometallic Compounds (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Skin (microbiology)
• Succinates (pharmacology, therapeutic use)