Exploring the Impact of Vitamin D and Zinc Deficiencies on Seborrheic Dermatitis: A Comparative Study

Background and Aims: Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects patients' quality of life. Emerging evidence suggests that vitamin and mineral deficiencies may contribute to its progression, although the exact etiology remains unclear. Objective: This case-control study assessed the serum levels of vitamin D and zinc in SD patients compared to a healthy control group, with a focus on how these deficiencies relate to disease severity. Methods: A total of 71 SD patients and 71 healthy controls participated, providing demographic data and blood samples. Disease severity was evaluated using the SEDASI scoring system. Serum vitamin D and zinc levels were measured using ELISA and photometric methods, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using t-tests and chi-square tests in SPSS 24, with groups matched for demographic variables (p > 0.05). Results: Findings revealed no significant difference in vitamin D levels between SD patients and the control group (p = 0.066). However, zinc levels were notably lower in the SD group (p = 0.001). Additionally, vitamin D levels were inversely related to the severity of SD (p = 0.022), while no correlation was found between zinc levels and disease severity (p = 0.664). Conclusion: Zinc deficiency appears to play a role in SD pathogenesis, while lower vitamin D levels are associated with increased disease severity. These findings highlight the need for further research into the potential therapeutic role of nutrient supplementation in managing SD.