Seborrheic dermatitis in adolescence and young adulthood: Clinical and pathogenetic analysis (clinical case)

Abstract

In press

Background. Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by a recurrent course that significantly affects patients’ quality of life. The condition is particularly relevant during adolescence, when hormonal changes, psychoemotional stress, and lifestyle factors may contribute to its development and exacerbation.

Aim. To analyze current concepts of the etiology, pathogenesis, and treatment of seborrheic dermatitis in adolescents and young adults based on a clinical case.

Materials and Methods. The study was conducted as a private initiative of the authors without grant support or registration as a state-funded research project. The research material consisted of clinical data from a female patient diagnosed with seborrheic dermatitis at the age of 12 years. Clinical manifestations of the disease were analyzed, along with the potential influence of hormonal changes, neurogenic factors, dietary habits, psychoemotional status, hereditary predisposition, and excess body weight on the course of the condition. A review of current scientific literature was also performed.

Research Ethics. The study was conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki of the World Medical Association (1964–2024), the Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine (1997), and the national ethical standards of Ukraine. Informed consent was obtained from the patient for the use of clinical data for scientific purposes.

Results. The development of seborrheic dermatitis was found to be multifactorial and associated with the interaction of hormonal, immune, neurogenic, and fungal mechanisms. Psychoemotional stress, sleep disturbances, irregular eating habits, and excessive sebum secretion were identified as factors that may trigger exacerbations of the disease. The use of combination therapy, which included a shampoo with 1% selenium disulfide and salicylic acid, a moisturizing cream, and hydrocortisone 17-butyrate ointment, contributed to the reduction of inflammation and the achievement of long-term remission without adverse effects.

Conclusions. Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic multifactorial disease in which hormonal, microbiological, and psychoemotional factors play an important role. Effective treatment requires a comprehensive approach that takes into account the individual characteristics of the patient and the elimination of triggering factors.

Keywords: seborrhea, pathogenesis, Malassezia, skin barrier, topical treatment.