The Role of Contact Allergens on Facial Seborrheic Dermatitis

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is an inflammatory skin condition characterised by scaly erythematous patches. The causes of SD include inflammatory reaction to Malassezia species, genetic predisposition and hormonal factors; however, any association with contact allergens has not been established. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of contact allergens on facial SD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients with symptoms of, or a prediagnosis of, facial SD along with 30 healthy individuals as the control group were included in this study. Two different sets of patch tests (international standard series IS-1000 and cosmetic series C-1000) were used in this study. Allergens were placed in small chambers and applied to the patients’ backs. They were then evaluated 48 hours, 72 hours, and 1 week after the patches were removed. The results were classified according to the International Contact Dermatitis Research Group. RESULTS: Positive reactions to standard and cosmetic series patch test allergens in the patient and control groups were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: It is not possible to establish an association between contact allergens and facial SD.