Serum level of interleukin-22 in patients with Seborrheic dermatitis and its correlation with disease severity

Context Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is defined as papulosquamous erythematous lesions with oily scales in the scalp and skin areas rich in sebaceous glands. SD is associated with elevated levels of several inflammatory markers. Interleukin (IL)-22, a cytokine belonging to the IL-10 family, has been found to be increased in inflammatory and autoimmune skin diseases, particularly psoriasis. Aim This study aimed to measure serum IL-22 levels in SD patients and healthy controls. Patients and methods Fifty patients with SD and 50 healthy, age-matched and sex-matched controls participated in this case–control research. The severity of SD was evaluated utilizing the Seborrheic Dermatitis Area and Severity Index. The serum concentrations of IL-22 were measured utilizing an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test. Results Patients with SD had a significantly greater serum IL-22 level than healthy controls ( P <0.001). Serum levels of IL-22 and the Seborrheic Dermatitis Area and Severity Index score were shown to be positively correlated, with patients with severe SD having significantly greater IL-22 levels than those with mild and moderate SD ( P <0.001). Conclusion IL-22 serum level was significantly greater among patients with SD which may highlight the role of IL-22 in the inflammatory reactions, epidermal proliferation, and epidermal barrier dysfunction encountered in SD.