Abstract
Background/AimMalassezia colonization, sebaceous gland activity, hormones, immune system defects, environmental factors, and the interactions between these factors are thought to contribute to the pathogenesis of seborrheic dermatitis (SD). Zinc, an essential element, is involved in many biological processes including the ones that contribute to the development of SD. The aim of this study is to evaluate serum zinc levels in patients with SD.Materials and methodsForty-three patients with SD and 41 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Disease activity was assessed by the Seborrheic Dermatitis Area and Severity Index by a single dermatologist. Serum zinc levels of all subjects were evaluated.ResultsStatistically significantly lower serum zinc levels were noted in SD patients than in the control group (79.16 ± 12.17 vs. 84.88 ± 13.59, respectively; P = 0.045).ConclusionThe results of the study demonstrated that patients who had SD had lower levels of serum zinc levels than healthy subjects.
Highlights
Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease localized to areas rich in sebaceous glands, such as the scalp, face, upper chest, and back [1]
Statistically significantly lower serum zinc levels were noted in SD patients than in the control group (79.16 ± 12.17 vs. 84.88 ± 13.59, respectively; P = 0.045)
The results of the study demonstrated that patients who had SD had lower levels of serum zinc levels than healthy subjects
Summary
Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease localized to areas rich in sebaceous glands, such as the scalp, face, upper chest, and back [1]. Various factors contribute to the pathogenesis of SD, including hormonal factors, comorbidities (associated diseases), individual immunological features, inflammatory status, and nutritional, environmental, and lifestyle factors, but the exact etiology of the disease has not been clarified [2]. Zinc is a mineral involved in many biological processes, including immune functions and metabolic and hormonal pathways. It may play a role in the different steps of the cutaneous inflammatory reactions, inhibiting the chemotaxis of neutrophils, activating natural killer (NK) cells, and modulating the production of proinflammatory cytokines. Zinc is considered a contributor in the pathogenesis of several inflammatory skin diseases associated with innate immunity dysregulation, such as inflammatory acne, folliculitis decalvans, and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) [4].
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