Seborrheic dermatitis and malignancy. An investigation of the skin flora

The skin flora of patients with disseminated malignant disease and seborrheic dermatitis has been investigated and compared with controls as well as with otherwise healthy patients suffering from seborrheic dermatitis. Although significant differences were detected in both bacterial and yeast counts between different sites on the body, no significant qualitative or quantitative differences were found between the three groups of subjects. Whereas abnormalities of the skin flora have been described in seriously ill patients and in individuals subjected to occlusion, we were unable to demonstrate any changes in skin flora in patients with malignant disease and seborrheic dermatitis. Our results do not support the view that increased numbers of Pityrosporum yeasts are important in the pathogenesis of seborrheic dermatitis.     

Neue Erkenntnisse zur Pathogenese der empfindlichen Haut

Many persons in the developed countries report sensitive skin. Persons with sensitive skin have a predisposition to several skin diseases, most importantly dry skin, but also atopy, seborrheic dermatitis, acne vulgaris, rosacea, and perioral dermatitis. Their complaints may be triggered by environmental factors such as low temperature, wind, high temperature, sun exposure and stress. Various skin care products and cosmetics are not tolerated. A disturbed skin barrier function and reduced stratum corneum water content are most important in the pathophysiology of sensitive skin. Environmental factors and cosmetics may induce irritation of the skin because of the disturbed skin barrier. Of further importance for the pathogenesis are neurogenic factors including stress and hyper-excitability. Mechanisms in signal transduction involve cytokines and neurotransmitters, but the exact pathways are unknown.     

透明质酸凝胶与他克莫司软膏治疗面部脂溢性皮炎疗效观察

目的分别探讨透明质酸凝胶和他克莫司软膏治疗面部脂溢性皮炎的疗效、安全性和对皮肤屏障功能的影响。方法 89例面部脂溢性皮炎患者随机分为试验组和对照组。试验组外用透明质酸凝胶,对照组外用他克莫司软膏,在0、7、14、28 d进行随访,每次随访用VISIA皮肤图像分析仪观察面部红色区,评估患者病情,并测定皮肤屏障功能相关指标。结果疗程结束后,试验组和对照组显效率分别为82.2%和86.4%,差异无统计学意义(P0.05);试验组和对照组角质层含水量分别为(56.60±9.54)和(55.14±11.57),两组差异无统计学意义(P=0.610);试验组和对照组经表皮水分丢失值分别为[(19.37±5.18)g/(m~2·h)]、[(25.10±14.0)g/(m~2·h)],两组差异无统计学意义(P=0.142)。结论透明质酸凝胶治疗面部脂溢性皮炎疗效与他克莫司软膏同样有效,透明质酸凝胶能改善皮肤屏障功能,减轻皮损,使用安全,耐受性好,值得临床推广。     

Skin surface lipids in HIV sero-positive and HIV sero-negative patients affected with seborrheic dermatitis.

Skin surface lipids of patients affected with seborrheic dermatitis both HIV sero-negative (C group) and HIV sero-positive (B group) have been studied by capillary Gas chromatography-Mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in comparison with normal age matched controls (A group) to determine whether, among the three groups of individuals, there were qualitative and quantitative changes in lipid class composition and in the fatty acid and alcohol components of lipid fractions. With regard to percent composition of skin surface lipid fractions, no significant differences were found between HIV sero-positive and HIV sero-negative patients with seborrheic dermatitis. The observed significant reduction of total lipids (micrograms/sq cm) in the sites affected with the disease in comparison with controls was associated with a slight but significant decrease of squalene (P less than 0.05) and with a corresponding increase of cholesterol and cholesterol esters (P less than 0.05). These abnormalities in lipid fractions and total lipids were not observed in the uninvolved skin of subjects with seborrheic dermatitis. Fatty acid and alcohol patterns of skin lipid fractions were not significantly different among the three groups of individuals.     

Infantile Seborrheic Dermatitis: Seven-Year Follow-up and Some Prognostic Criteria

Based on clinical features, infantile seborrheic dermatitis (ISD) can be classified as follows: true seborrheic dermatitis (SD), psoriasiform seborrheic dermatitis (Psor SD), and erythrodermic seborrheic dermatitis. We reviewed the records of 72 children who had been affected by ISD several years earlier to investigate the evolution of disease, to evaluate the patients for the presence of new skin lesions, and to study family histories with respect to these conditions. In addition, we attempted to determine if there is any connection among the initial features of ISD and the types of skin lesions, and atopy or psoriasis. On reexamination, our patients previously diagnosed as having SD showed a larger variety of new skin lesions than those who had Psor SD, and 15% had developed atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis was not present at follow-up in the children with previously diagnosed Psor SD. Psoriatic lesions were present in similar percentages in both groups at the time of reevaluation. Investigation of family history was not useful in predicting later development of psoriasis or atopic dermatitis. We conclude that the initial clinical features of ISD may be of prognostic value, and that SD and Psor SD are probably two different clinical entities.     

Seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is present in 1% to 3% of immunocompetent adults, and is more prevalent in men than in women. Seborrheic dermatitis may be seen in conjunction with other skin diseases, such as rosacea, blepharitis or ocular rosacea, and acne vulgaris. Malassezia yeasts have been associated with seborrheic dermatitis. Abnormal or inflammatory immune system reactions to these yeasts may be related to development of seborrheic dermatitis. Treatment modalities for seborrheic dermatitis include keratolytic agents, corticosteroids, and more recently, antifungal agents. Antifungal agents do not carry a risk of skin atrophy or telangiectasia with prolonged use, and it is more prudent to consider antifungals than corticosteroid preparations. The wide range of antifungal formulations available (creams, shampoos, or oral) provides safe, effective, and flexible treatment options for seborrheic dermatitis.     

The sex of the individual as a factor in allergic contact dermatitis

Exogenous and endogenous factors have been implicated in allergic contact dermatitis (ACD); this review explores the sex of the individual as a possible endogenous factor. While there is a clinical impression that women are more skin-reactive than men, upon review this hypothesis appears oversimplified. This review explores sex differences in controlled testing of adult ACD, occupational ACD and juvenile ACD. Further, geographical location and socioeconomic and cultural factors in relation to sex differences in allergic contact dermatitis are discussed. We conclude that female sex could be a factor predisposing to allergic contact dermatitis not so much because of possible differences in intrinsic skin characteristics between the sexes, but more because of different exposure patterns. This conclusion has practical consequences regarding product labelling requirements, occupational risk assessment and legislation.     

Epidemiology and dermatological comorbidity of seborrhoeic dermatitis: population-based study in 161 269 employees

This study from research workers in Switzerland and Germany provides new information on the skin condition seborrheic dermatitis, more specifically how common it is and whether those with the condition have other diseases (co-morbidities). Seborrhoeic dermatitis is a common disease which shows as redness, scaling and some irritation on areas of the head such as the eyebrows, around the nostrils, behind the ears and in the scalp. The work was based on voluntary skin health checks carried out in workplaces in Germany, involving more than 160,000 individuals. Seborrhoeic dermatitis was found in 4.6% of males and 1.4% of females and was commoner in those above the age of 35. Seborrhoeic dermatitis was commoner in those who had the following other skin conditions: folliculitis, fungal nail infections or tinea pedis (athlete's foot), rosacea, acne and psoriasis. The authors conclude that many of the other skin infections or conditions such as acne with which seborrheic dermatitis is associated, are those in which there are changes in the microbes (tiny organisms) in the skin (microbiome) and/or the production of fats or sebum on the skin surface.     

类人胶原蛋白敷料治疗面部脂溢性皮炎疗效观察及对皮肤屏障功能的影响

目的探讨类人胶原蛋白敷料治疗面部脂溢性皮炎的疗效、安全性及其对皮肤屏障功能的影响。方法将20~50岁女性面部脂溢性皮炎患者67例随机入组,试验组患者外用酮康唑乳膏加类人胶原蛋白敷料,对照组患者单独外用酮康唑乳膏,两组患者均用药10 d,观察皮损变化并测定皮肤屏障功能相关指标。结果第2次随访时,试验组症状积分[(1.06±1.06)分]、经皮水分丢失量(transepidermal water loss,TEWL)[(11.99±5.84)g/(m2?h)]均低于对照组[(1.94±1.17)分、(16.17±8.47)g/(m2?h)],角质层含水量(40.20±11.69)高于对照组(34.13±10.86),差异均有统计学意义(P=0.002,0.024,0.033)。两组患者均未出现明显不良反应。结论类人胶原蛋白敷料治疗成年女性面部脂溢性皮炎,能改善皮肤屏障功能,减轻皮损,可以作为面部脂溢性皮炎的一个安全有效的辅助治疗手段。     

Humoral immunity to Malassezia furfur serovars A, B and C in patients with pityriasis versicolor, seborrheic dermatitis and controls

Abstract This study examined the humoral immune responses to Malassezia furfur serovars A, B and C of 10 patients with pityriasis versicolor, 10 patients with seborrheic dermatitis and 20 age- and sex-matched controls. A transferable solid-phase ELISA was used to determine titres of total Igs, IgM, IgA and IgG specific to M. furfur serovars A, B and C. The results demonstrated that patients with seborrheic dermatitis had a significantly higher litre of total Igs to serovar A than patients with pityriasis versicolor; and that patients with seborrheic dermatitis had a significantly higher litre of IgA to serovar C than patients with pityriasis versicolor. The litres of total Igs for controls and patienls with seborrheic dermatitis were significantly lower to serovar B than to serovar C. A modified TSP ELISA was used to determine the titres of the IgG subclasses. Titres of IgG _1,3,4 to serovar B were significantly higher in seborrheic dermatitis patients than pityriasis versicolor patients and litres of IgG₃, to serovar A were significantly higher in seborrheic dermatitis patients than pityriasis versicolor patients. However, despite the differences between the patient groups, none of these results was significantly different to those of controls. Thus, this study did not demonstrate any differences in humoral immunity of patients suffering from Malassezia-associated dermatoses when compared to normal controls. These results may suggest that the humoral immune response to M. furfur is not related to the pathogenesis of Malassezia-associated dermatoses, but simply to the carriage of M. furfur on the skin.     

脂溢性皮炎病因机制的研究进展

脂溢性皮炎是临床上常见的在皮脂溢出基础上发生的慢性、复发性、炎症性皮肤病,其确切发病机制至今不明。研究发现,脂溢性皮炎的发病与马拉色菌、脂质、免疫反应、皮肤屏障功能及个体易感性密切相关。以上因素的认识及研究,有助于脂溢性皮炎的预防及治疗。     

Evaluation of out–in skin transparency using a colorimeter and food dye in patients with atopic dermatitis

Background  Atopic dermatitis is a disease of skin barrier dysfunction and outside stimuli can cross the skin barrier.
Objectives  To examine a new method for evaluating the outside to inside skin transparency with a colorimeter and yellow dyes.
Methods  In study 1, a total of 28 volunteer subjects (24 normal and four with atopic dermatitis) participated. After provocation with yellow dye, the skin colour of all the subjects was measured using a colorimeter. The skin transparency index was calculated by the changes of the skin colour to yellow. Other variables of skin function, including transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and stratum corneum hydration, were also measured. In study 2, the skin transparency index was evaluated for a cohort of 38 patients with atopic dermatitis, 27 subjects with dry skin and 29 healthy controls.
Results  In study 1, the measurement of skin colour (b*) using tartrazine showed good results. There was a significant relationship between the skin transparency index with tartrazine and the atopic dermatitis score ( P  =   0·014). No other measurements of skin function, including the TEWL, were correlated. In study 2, the skin transparency index score obtained with tartrazine in the patients with atopic dermatitis was significantly higher than that of the controls and those with dry skin ( P  <   0·001 and P  =   0·022, respectively). However, the TEWL in patients with atopic dermatitis was not significantly higher than that of patients with dry skin and the TEWL in subjects with dry skin was not higher than that of the controls.
Conclusions  This method, which used a colorimeter and food dye, is noninvasive, safe and reliable for the evaluation of out–in skin transparency and can demonstrate the characteristic dysfunction in the skin barrier in patients with atopic dermatitis.     

Rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis differentially respond to lactic acid sting and capsaicin tests in Chinese women

Background

Although rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis share some symptoms of sensitive skin, whether they respond differently to lactic acid sting and capsaicin tests, common tests for diagnosis of sensitive skin, is unknown.

Objectives

To reveal the cutaneous responses to lactic acid sting (LAST) and capsaicin test (CAT) in females with either rosacea vs. seborrheic dermatitis.

Methods

A total of 60 patients with rosacea, 20 patients with seborrheic dermatitis and 40 normal controls were enrolled in the study. Their skin sensitivity to stimuli were evaluated following topical application of either 10% lactic acid solution or 0.001% capsaicin solution. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) rates and erythema indexes were also measured on the face.

Results

In comparison to normal controls, the positive rate to either LAST or CAT was significantly higher in subjects with rosacea (p < 0.001), but not in that with seborrheic dermatitis. Similarly, individuals with rosacea displayed a higher positive rate to both LAST and CAT than those with seborrheic dermatitis and normal controls (p < 0.001). In parallel, the LAST scores and CAT scores in individuals with rosacea were significantly higher than in that with either seborrheic dermatitis or normal controls (p < 0.001). The baseline TEWL rates and erythema indexes were higher in individual with rosacea than in normal controls (p < 0.001). But the baseline TEWL rates and erythema indexes did not differ significantly between subjects with rosacea and that with seborrheic dermatitis. Moreover, LAST scores and CAT scores correlated positively with TEWL (p < 0.0001). TEWL rates were higher in CAT positive than in CAT negative subjects (p < 0.0001). Finally, erythema index correlated positively with CAT scores (p < 0.0001), but not with LAST scores (p = 0.0842).

Conclusions

Skin responses to LAST and CAT differ between individuals with rosacea and those with seborrheic dermatitis, possibly due to the differences in epidermal permeability barrier and the neurovascular hyperreactivity. The higher LAST and CAT scores, as well as positive rates of both LAST and CAT can be attributable to inferior permeability barrier and the neurovascular hyperreactivity in subjects with rosacea.     

Seborrheic dermatitis: an update

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic relapsing inflammatory skin disorder clinically characterized by scaling and poorly defined erythematous patches. The prevalence of adult seborrheic dermatitis is estimated at 5%. Although the exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis has yet to be understood, Malassezia yeasts, hormones (androgens), sebum levels and immune response are known to play important roles in its development. Additional factors including drugs, winter temperatures and stress may exacerbate seborrheic dermatitis. A variety of treatment modalities are available, including antifungal agents, topical low-potency steroids and calcineurin inhibitors (immunomodulators). This review summarizes current knowledge on the etiopathogenesis and therapy of adult seborrheic dermatitis.     

Seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic relapsing erythematous scaly skin disease, the prevalence of which is around 1 to 3% of the general population in the United States. It has two incidence peaks, the first in the first three months of life and the second beginning at puberty and reaching its apex at 40 to 60 years of age. The prevalence of seborrheic dermatitis is higher in HIV-positive individuals and the condition tends to be more intense and refractory to treatment in these patients. Neurological disorders and other chronic diseases are also associated with the onset of seborrheic dermatitis. The currently accepted theory on the pathogenesis of this disease advocates that yeast of Malassezia spp., present on the skin surface of susceptible individuals, leads to a non-immunogenic irritation due to the production of unsaturated fatty acids deposited on the skin surface. This article provides a review of the literature on seborrheic dermatitis, focusing on immunogenetics, the clinical forms of the disease and its treatment.     

Videocapillaroscopy in the differential diagnosis between psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp

BACKGROUND: Videocapillaroscopy (VCP) can be used to explore microcirculatory modifications in skin diseases. Psoriasis shows specific capillary alterations reflecting typical histopathological changes. OBJECTIVE: To compare capillary morphology, distribution and density in psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp for differential diagnosis. METHODS: VCP was performed on histology-confirmed scalp lesions of 30 patients with chronic plaque psoriasis, 30 age- and sex-matched patients with seborrheic dermatitis and 30 healthy subjects. The morphology, mean density per mm(2) and mean diameter of capillary loops was measured. RESULTS: Scalp psoriasis exhibited homogeneously tortuous and dilated capillaries (bushy pattern), with a 73 +/- 17 mum (mean +/- standard deviation) diameter of capillary bushes. In contrast, scalp seborrheic dermatitis presented a multiform pattern, with mildly tortuous capillary loops and isolated dilated capillaries, but a substantial preservation of local microangioarchitecture. Mean diameter of capillary bush was significantly lower (27 +/- 4 microm; p < 0.001) and similar to that of the scalp of healthy subjects (21 +/- 5 microm). Capillary loop density was similar in patients with psoriasis (23 +/- 5/mm(2)) seborrheic dermatitis (24 +/- 2/mm(2)) and healthy scalp skin (24 +/- 3/mm(2)). CONCLUSION: VCP could be a useful noninvasive approach for differentiating between psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis, especially when the scalp is the only affected site.     

几种婴儿常见皮肤病的皮肤微生态研究进展

近年来报道婴儿期皮肤病可能与局部皮肤微生态失调关系较密切,本文综述了婴儿期特应性皮炎、新生儿痤疮、脂溢性皮炎、新生儿红斑和皮肤微生态关系。     

Seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common inflammation of the skin, occurring most often on the face, scalp and chest. It is closely related to infantile seborrheic dermatitis, or diaper rash. Seborrheic dermatitis is particularly common in patients with Parkinson's disease or with HIV/AIDS. The recent resurgence of interest in Malassezia yeasts has revived the old hypothesis that seborrheic dermatitis is caused by an altered relationship between these skin commensals and the host. Moreover, the success of antifungal medications in treating seborrheic dermatitis provides new evidence for this view. LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Upon completing this paper, the reader should be aware of the clinical presentation of seborrheic dermatitis and which populations are at particular risk of developing this disorder. In addition, s/he will be aware of the role of Malassezia yeasts in seborrheic dermatitis and the way in which knowledge of the importance of these yeasts has altered the treatment of this disorder.     

热带、亚热带四地区青少年脂溢性皮炎的现患情况及危险因素分析

目的评估热带、亚热带四地区青少年脂溢性皮炎的现患状况及其危险因素,为青少年脂溢性皮炎防治提供依据。方法采用横断面问卷调查方法,于2001年9～10月、2004年9～12月及2005年9～12月分别对澳门、广州、马来西亚和印度尼西亚内的103所中学,以学校为单位随机整群抽取18所中学,共13215名12～20岁的中学生,进行逐一检查并以问卷调查法收集脂溢性皮炎的流行病学资料。所有资料进行logistic回归分析。结果澳门、广州、马来西亚和印度尼西亚地区中学生脂溢性皮炎总患病率为10.17%,其中男8.15%,女12.40%,两者患病率差异有显著性意义(P=0.000);男、女性各年龄组间患病率差异均有显著性意义(P均=0.000);男、女性患病高峰年龄皆为20岁。四地中学生脂溢性皮炎患病率分别为2.66%,2.85%,17.16%和26.45%,澳门、广州两地与马来西亚、印度尼西亚两地间患病率差异有显著性意义(P=0.000)。由多因素logistic回归分析可知性别、年龄、在发病地居住年数、腹胀、便秘、经常排气、腹部常疼痛或不适、常食辛辣及煎炸食物、腋毛多、汗毛和/或胡须多、面部和胸部皮肤油腻为其危险因素。结论澳门、广州、马来西亚和印度尼西亚中学生脂溢性皮炎患病率较高,危险因素主要涉及年龄、性别、生活环境、生活习惯、内分泌和消化道功能紊乱等。     

Perioral dermatitis

Perioral dermatitis is a relatively common inflammatory facial skin disorder that predominantly affects women. It is rarely diagnosed in children. A typical perioral dermatitis presentation involves the eruption of papules and pustules that may recur over weeks to months, occasionally with fine scales. The differential diagnosis includes seborrheic dermatitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, acne vulgaris, lupus miliaris disseminatus faciei, polymorphous light eruption, steroid-induced rosacea, granulomatous perioral dermatitis, contact dermatitis (allergic and irritant), and even basal cell carcinoma. The histopathology is similar to that of rosacea, with a perivascular and perifollicular lymphohistiocytic infiltrate and sebaceous hyperplasia. The etiology of perioral dermatitis is unknown, but the uncritical use of topical corticosteroids often precedes skin lesions. Physical sunscreens with high sun protection factors may cause perioral dermatitis in children.