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Essential fatty acids in infantile seborrheic dermatitis
A Tollesson1, A Frithz, A Berg
1Department of Dermatology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
|June 1, 1993
Summary
Essential fatty acids (EFAs) play a role in infantile seborrheic dermatitis (ISD). Altered EFA patterns, particularly involving delta-6-desaturase enzyme function, are linked to ISD development and resolve upon recovery.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Biochemistry
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Infantile seborrheic dermatitis (ISD) is a common skin condition in infants.
- Several potential causes for ISD have been previously investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of essential fatty acids (EFAs) and their metabolites in the development of ISD.
- To understand the biochemical underpinnings of ISD.
Main Methods:
- Serum EFA patterns were analyzed in 30 infants diagnosed with ISD.
- Blood samples were collected at diagnosis and during recovery, with comparisons to age-matched healthy controls.
- Breast milk EFA patterns were also analyzed from mothers of affected infants and a control group.
Main Results:
- Children with active ISD showed increased EFA 18:1w9 and decreased 18:2w6 levels, with normal 20:4w6 levels.
- A significant presence of the rare fatty acid 20:2w6 was noted in infants with ISD compared to controls.
- EFA patterns normalized upon recovery from ISD, except for 20:2w6 levels, and breast milk EFA patterns were similar between groups.
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest a temporary impairment in the delta-6-desaturase enzyme function in infants with ISD.
- The observed alterations in EFA patterns are likely significant in the pathogenesis of infantile seborrheic dermatitis.