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Seborrhoeic dermatitis and Pityrosporum ovale: a cultural and immunological study
1Department of Dermatology, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgren's Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden.
Abstract:
Seborrhoeic dermatitis is associated with Pityrosporum ovale, but the exact role of the organism is not clarified. In order to study this connection we have investigated 30 patients with seborrhoeic dermatitis with quantitative culture for P. ovale, serum IgG antibodies against P. ovale and lipid measurements. We compared the patients with 60 healthy individuals and found no significant difference in the number of P. ovale or serum antibodies. The lipid content on the skin was significantly higher in the patient group (p = 0.0001). There was no difference in the number of P. ovale in lesions compared to healthy skin in the patient group. This study support our theory that an abnormal reaction in the skin to P. ovale causes the inflammation and the number of P. ovale is of minor importance.
Insights
Seborrhoeic dermatitis may stem from an abnormal skin reaction to Pityrosporum ovale, not the yeast
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Seborrhoeic dermatitis is linked to Pityrosporum ovale.
- The precise role of P. ovale in seborrhoeic dermatitis remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between Pityrosporum ovale and seborrhoeic dermatitis.
- To explore the role of P. ovale and skin lipids in the condition.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative cultures for P. ovale.
- Measurement of serum IgG antibodies against P. ovale.
- Skin lipid measurements in 30 patients and 60 healthy controls.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in P. ovale counts or serum antibodies between patients and controls.
- Significantly higher skin lipid content in seborrhoeic dermatitis patients (p = 0.0001).
- P. ovale counts were similar in lesional and healthy skin within the patient group.
Conclusions:
- The study suggests an abnormal skin reaction to P. ovale, rather than the organism's quantity, causes seborrhoeic dermatitis.
- Skin lipid levels may play a role in the inflammatory process.
- P. ovale's role is likely related to host response rather than colonization density.