The role of ketoconazole in seborrheic dermatitis

Although the prominent broad-spectrum activity of ketoconazole was reported in the early 1980s, its effect against Malassezia species was most pronounced; thus, it was developed for the treatment of various skin infections in which a link with these fungal species was proposed. Later, a number of ancillary properties were described for ketoconazole that comprised its anti-inflammatory, antiseborrheic, and antiproliferative profile. The incorporation of ketoconazole in an adapted vehicle could further promote its efficacy. Recently, a new formulation-an anhydrous gel containing ketoconazole 2%-was launched in which all of the ancillary properties were optimized.