Clinical Trial: Petrolatum's Effect on Initial Symptoms of Nonscalp Seborrheic Dermatitis and Preventing Exacerbation

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Unknown status
Study Type: Interventional

Official Title: Petrolatum's Effect on Initial Symptoms of Nonscalp Seborrheic Dermatitis and Preventing Exacerbation

Brief Summary: The goal of this research is to demonstrate the use of petroleum jelly in prevention of nonscalp seborrheic dermatitis exacerbations at the first signs of a flare. In doing so, it will decrease the chronic use of topical steroids. The use of petrolatum should have favorable outcomes for patients, without the side-effects.

Detailed Summary:

Nonscalp seborrheic dermatitis (NSSD) is typically a benign inflammatory process of the skin that affects oil rich areas including in and between eyebrows, paranasal area, behind ears, over the sternum, and groin. While these lesions typically come and go without proposing a threat to the patient, they can be socially debilitating, and psychologically distressing.

The mainstay treatment for an exacerbation of NSSD is topical steroids. Topical steroids are very effective and useful to patient's who are desperately seeking treatment. However, most family practitioners are reluctant to prescribe or recommend topical steroids for chronic conditions like NSSD due to the potential side-effects including permanent atrophy of the skin.

NSSD has an unknown etiology. However, one of its biggest risk factors appears to be dry skin due to its increase in incidence during colder seasons, and with use of alcohol-containing topicals. Naturally occurring skin yeast (ie Malassezia) are also thought to play a part.

Petrolatum is considered a skin protectant and has a strong ability to hold moisture in skin. Along with restricting water from leaving skin, it also decreases most air from contacting the skin. This may slow the growth and activity of skin yeast that are typically considered facultative anaerobes.

A patient diagnosed with nonscalp seborrheic dermatitis will be consented into the study and given instructions on the petroleum treatment. This includes wetting the affected area, blotting dry, and then applying petrolatum to the area before bedtime. This regimen is to be followed every other night until symptoms diminish. The patient will come back to the office for follow-up at one week, two weeks, and four weeks after treatment begin
Sponsor: Genesys Regional Medical Center

Current Primary Outcome: Measuring the Effectiveness of Petroleum Jelly in Treating Nonscalp Seborrheic Dermatitis [ Time Frame: 4 weeks ]

Petroleum jelly will be applied to the areas of the face affected by Nonscalp Seborrheic Dermatitis every other night for four weeks. Patients will be seen in the office at one week, two weeks, and one month during the course of the treatment. Pictures will be taken at each visit to determine the progress of the treatment.


Original Primary Outcome: Same as current

Current Secondary Outcome: Patient Satisfaction ofTreatment [ Time Frame: 4 weeks ]

Patients will be surveyed initially when they are consented asking about their personal history of nonscalp seborrheic dermatitis including triggers and previous and current treatment measures.


Original Secondary Outcome: Same as current

Information By: Genesys Regional Medical Center

Dates:
Date Received: March 15, 2011
Date Started: March 2011
Date Completion: March 2012
Last Updated: March 15, 2011
Last Verified: March 2011