Nutrition, Obesity, and Seborrheic Dermatitis: Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Nutritional Science
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Seborrheic dermatitis pathogenesis involves sebaceous gland lipid secretion, Malassezia colonization, and inflammatory skin barrier disruption.
• Diet, obesity, and nutritional supplements can modulate these pathways.
• Current treatments offer temporary relief, highlighting the need to understand modifiable lifestyle factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize evidence on diet, nutritional supplements, alcohol, obesity, and micronutrients in seborrheic dermatitis.
• To identify areas for future research on lifestyle factors influencing seborrheic dermatitis.

Main Methods:

• Literature search of Scopus, PubMed, and MEDLINE (1993-2023).
• Inclusion of case-control, cohort studies, and randomized controlled trials (adults >14 years, ≥5 subjects).
• Exclusion of case reports, case series, and reviews due to insufficient evidence.

Main Results:

• 13 studies (13,906 patients) analyzed: increased copper, manganese, iron, calcium, magnesium; decreased zinc, vitamins D and E.
• Western diet associated with higher risk in females; fruit consumption with lower risk.
• Triphala prebiotic improved satisfaction and reduced scalp sebum; alcohol use linked to seborrheic dermatitis; BMI/obesity association mixed.

Conclusions:

• Further interventional studies needed for zinc, vitamin D, and E supplementation in seborrheic dermatitis.
• More research required on the specific relationships between Western diet, alcohol, obesity, and fruit consumption with seborrheic dermatitis.