[Treatment of seborrhoeic eczema with ketoconazole in comparison with an active agent-free cream]

Both systemic and topical application of ketoconazole (CAS 65277-42-1) have been found effective in seborrhoeic dermatitis. The topical application of 2% ketoconazole in a cream base in particular has so far only once been compared to the application of the vehicle. Statistical analysis, however, has only been descriptive. In the present trial including 60 patients 2% ketoconazole cream (Nizoral) and a bland cream have been compared in a randomised, controlled fashion. Both erythema and scaling were found markedly more reduced in the verum group (p = 0.003 and p = 0.006, resp.). Hence the topical application of 2% ketoconazole cream can be considered as rational treatment of seborrhoeic dermatitis the more so as the application of the drug was well tolerated.