Lithium gluconate ointment as a safe and effective therapy for the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis

Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, April, 2003

This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-control study studies the effects of 8% lithium gluconate ointment in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis. Sixty-six patients were randomly assigned to receive the active drug, while 63 patients received placebo (vehicle only). Assessments at baseline and after four and eight weeks included counting of comedones and microcysts, an evaluation of skin oiliness, signs of erythema and desquamation. Complete remission was defined as complete disappearance of both erythema and desquamation. Skin sampling for Malassezia furfur was also taken.

The group receiving lithium gluconate ointment showed a complete remission of 11% at 4 weeks and 29.1% at eight weeks, which was statistically more significant than the control group. Overall remission rate (complete and partial) was 74% at 4 weeks and 90.9% at 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, Malassezia furfur was still present in the 2 groups without any significant difference. The reported side effects were minor, and included erythema, burning, and itching.

Dreno B and Moyse D. Lithium Gluconate in the Treatment of Seborrheic Dermatitis: A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-blind Study versus Placebo. European Journal of Dermatology 2002; 12:549-552.