Ketoconazole 2% foam for treatment of seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory condition occurring in skin rich in sebaceous glands. Three factors appear to be important for seborrheic dermatitis to occur: the presence of yeasts of the genus Malassezia, sebaceous secretion and individual susceptibility. The effectiveness of current therapeutic interventions, including topical antifungals and topical steroids, is based on the reduction of Malassezia spp. and the inflammatory response associated with this yeast. A 2% thermolabile hydroethanolic foam formulation of ketoconazole (Extina™) was made available in the USA in September 2007. Data from clinical trials indicate that ketoconazole 2% foam is an effective and safe topical therapy for mild-to-severe seborrheic dermatitis, significantly relieving symptoms after 4 weeks of therapy. This new foam delivery system can be effectively and safely applied to all sites of disease, expanding the options for treatment.