A double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial of lithium succinate ointment in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis. Efalith Multicenter Trial Group.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Seborrheic dermatitis, an inflammatory dermatosis that principally affects sebaceous areas, may be related to the presence of the yeast Pityrosporum ovale. Topical therapy with corticosteroids, although in general effective, may be associated with several unwanted effects. The development of alternative non-steroid-based therapies may enable patients to avoid the use of topical steroids and help elucidate the pathogenesis of the disease.

OBJECTIVE:

This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of an ointment containing 8% lithium succinate in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis.

METHODS:

The study consisted of a multicenter placebo-controlled clinical trial in 227 adult patients.

RESULTS:

Lithium succinate ointment was significantly more effective than placebo in treating all the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis. No specific unwanted effects were associated with its use. Relapse was slow when treatment was stopped.

CONCLUSION:

The effectiveness of lithium succinate ointment in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis adds to the evidence implicating P. ovale in the pathogenesis of that condition.

• Journal: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (J Am Acad Dermatol) Vol. 26 Issue 3 Pt 2 Pg. 452-7 (Mar 1992) ISSN: 0190-9622 [Print] United States
• PMID: 1532964 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Ointments
• Organometallic Compounds
• Succinates
• lithium succinate

Topics

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