Seborrheic dermatitis. Current issues of etiopathogenesis and current therapeutic options
https://doi.org/10.33667/2078-5631-2026-3-42-50
Abstract
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common chronic relapsing skin disease characterized by erythematosquamous inflammatory rashes in areas with a high concentration of sebaceous glands. Despite the fact that the etiopathogenetic mechanisms of the development of seborrheic dermatitis remain not fully understood, at the present stage the leading role in the development of this disease is played by: changes in the quantity and qualitative composition of sebum, dysbiosis of the skin microbiome (in particular, overgrowth of Malassezia spp.), dysfunction of the epidermal barrier and an altered immune response. Trigger factors for the development and possible recurrence of seborrheic dermatitis include environmental factors, genetic predisposition, neurological diseases, musculoskeletal pathology, diabetes, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, depressive disorders, emotional stress and HIV infection.
Objective. To identify the relevant etiopathogenetic factors in the development of seborrheic dermatitis, associated and triggering conditions, and to review current therapeutic options for treating patients.
Materials and methods. A retrospective literature review was conducted in the PubMed, Elibrary, Elsevier, Google Scholar, and National Library of Medicine databases for the past 15 years – from 2010 to 2025—using the keywords «seborrheic dermatitis,» «treatment options for seborrheic dermatitis,» «risk factors,» «immunology,» «immunogenetics,» and «neurological disorders in patients with seborrheic dermatitis.»
Results. 54 publications were included in the review. Predisposing factors for the development of seborrheic dermatitis include male gender, genetic predisposition, immune system pathology, environmental factors, changes in the composition of the skin microbiome, and hormonal imbalances.
Conclusions. When treating seborrheic dermatitis, it is important not only to eliminate the symptoms of the dermatosis, but also to competently address all links in the pathogenesis. Today, studying the common links in the pathophysiology of seborrheic dermatitis and associated diseases is relevant and important, as influencing these mechanisms may be key to achieving long-term remission and improving patients’ quality of life.
About the Authors
E. A. Sanikidze
Central State Medical Academy of the Administrative Department of the President of the Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Sanikidze Elvira A., postgraduate student
Moscow
K. B. Olkhovskaya
Central State Medical Academy of the Administrative Department of the President of the Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Olkhovskaya Kira B., PhD Med Sci, associate professor at Dept of Dermatovenereology and Cosmetology
Moscow
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Sanikidze E.A., Olkhovskaya K.B. Seborrheic dermatitis. Current issues of etiopathogenesis and current therapeutic options. Medical alphabet. 2026;(3):42-50. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.33667/2078-5631-2026-3-42-50
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