Clinical efficacy of a new ciclopiroxolamine/zinc pyrithione shampoo in scalp seborrheic dermatitis treatment

Ciclopiroxolamine (CPO) and Zinc Pirythione (ZP) antifungals are efficient at treating scalp seborrheic dermatitis. This multicentre, single-blind, clinical study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a shampoo containing the 1.5% CPO/1% ZP association compared to the vehicle shampoo and to 2% ketoconazole foaming gel in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis. In 189 patients randomised to apply 1 of the 3 products twice a week for 28 days, the global lesional score, erythema, pruritus, global efficacy, quality of life (SF12 and DLQI questionnaires) and tolerance were measured at 0, 7, 14 and 28 days. The 3 products reduced lesional score, erythema and pruritus from day 7 (p < 0.0001). The 2 antifungal treatments were significantly more efficient than the vehicle in reducing lesional score, erythema and pruritus at day 14 (p < 0.0001). At day 7, the CPO/ZP shampoo was more efficient in reducing pruritus than ketoconazole gel and vehicle (p = 0.032 and p < 0.001, respectively). The global efficacy of the 2 antifungal treatments assessed at day 28 by both investigator and patient was significantly better than that of the vehicle. Only the CPO/ZP shampoo improved all DLQI questionnaire dimensions. The CPO/ZP shampoo was as rapid and efficient as ketoconazole gel in SD treatment.