Double blind clinical trial in a series of 115 patients with seborrheic dermatitis: prevention of relapses using a topical modulator of Toll like receptor 2
Ionescu, M.A.; Baroni, A.; Brambilla, L.; Cannavò, S.P.; Cristaudo, A.; Vedove, C.Dalle.; Frasca, M.; Girolomoni, G.; Gnecchi, L.; Peris, K.; Trifirò, C.; Matta, A.M.; Robert, G.
Giornale Italiano di Dermatologia e Venereologia Organo Ufficiale Societa Italiana di Dermatologia e Sifilografia 146(3): 185-189
2011
ISSN/ISBN: 0392-0488 PMID: 21566548 Document Number: 650968
Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory disease aggravated by Malassezia species. Toll-like receptors (TLR) are part of innate immune system that can be activated by yeasts. Previous studies showed that an association of Umbelliferae extract with a lipid (TLR2-Regul™) decreases the IL-8 expression in human skin in contact with M. furfur. The aim of this study was to assess the activity of a topical formulated with TLR2-Regul™ in the prevention of seborrheic dermatitis (SD) relapses. Immune-competent SD adult patients were treated for SD (topical imidazoles or steroids). Cleared patients were randomized and received a topical containing TLR2-Regul™ (A) or its vehicle (B). Erythema, scales and pruritus were assessed during two months. The study included 115 patients, mean age 43.4, sex ratio m/f 1.5. At week 4 the relapse rate was 26% (N.=15) in group A and 43% (N.=25) in group B. At W8 the relapse rate was 21% (N.=12) in group A and 40% (N.=23) (P=0.0309). In this series of 115 adults with seborrheic dermatitis, patients treated with a topical containing TLR-Regul™ showed a significantly less relapse rate compared with the excipient group (P<0.05). TLR modulation could represent a new therapeutic approach in the prevention of seborrheic dermatitis relapses.