The efficacy and safety of Azelaic Acid (AZA) Cream 15% in the topical treatment of mild to moderate seborrheic dermatitis of the face

Abstract

Background & Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of Azelaic Acid (AZA) Cream 15%, with Ketoconazole cream 2% in adults of mild to moderate seborrheic dermatitis of the face.

Mterial & Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 40 patients with a diagnosis of SD were enrolled. 34 patients of them completed the study and they were instructed to apply either Azelaic Acid cream 15% (18 patients) or ketoconazole cream 2% (16 patients) twice daily to the affected area of the face. The severity of facial SD was assessed  at 0,2,4,and 6 weeks of the treatment. Secondary efficacy measures included patient assessment of adverse events and improvement percentage (IP).

Results: Statistically, ketoconazole was more effective than Azelaic acid in reducing the severity of lesions at the fourth and sixth week of treatment. Although the decrease in erythema and pruritus was higher in the ketoconazole group at the end of the sixth week, there was no statistical significance between two groups in the decrease of papules and scales. The rate of adverse events was similar in both groups.

Conclusions: According to our study,the two treatments were effective in the treatment of mild to moderate facial SD, but ketoconazole was more effective than Azelaic acid.