A Clinicoepidemiological Study of Cutaneous and Systemic Comorbidities of Seborrheic Dermatitis in Adolescent and Adult Females

Abstract

Background Seborrheic dermatitis is the most common, chronic inflammatory skin condition which is confined to the scalp, nasolabial folds, and regions rich in sebaceous glands for which no definitive cause has been found. Although the disease is more common, the comorbidities associated with it have not been studied in detail. This study aims to assess the prevalence of seborrheic dermatitis and its associated cutaneous and systemic comorbidities in adolescent and adult patients. Methodology This cross-sectional study was performed among 451 adolescent and adult female patients who visited the Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy of R. Laxminarayanappa Jalappa Hospital and Research Centre, Kolar. Patients having symptoms such as scaly patches, inflamed skin, and stubborn dandruff were diagnosed with seborrheic dermatitis and included in the study. A detailed history was collected for assessing other cutaneous disorders. Results Out of the 451 female participants, 87% belonged to the age group of 21-30 years, with 60.9% having cutaneous and 28.3% having systemic comorbidities. Acne (13.3%) and diabetes mellitus (13.1%) were the most common cutaneous and systemic associated comorbidities, respectively. Conclusions Comorbidities of seborrheic dermatitis were more commonly seen in adult female patients, Some of the common cutaneous comorbidities were acne, alopecia areata, and folliculitis. Systemic comorbidities included diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. However, all of these comorbidities were not statistically significant.