Serum zinc levels in seborrheic dermatitis: a case-control study

Background/aim: Malassezia colonization, sebaceous gland activity, hormones, immune system defects, environmental factors, and the interactions between these factors are thought to contribute to the pathogenesis of seborrheic dermatitis (SD). Zinc, an essential element, is involved in many biological processes including the ones that contribute to the development of SD. The aim of this study is to evaluate serum zinc levels in patients with SD. Materials and methods: Forty-three patients with SD and 41 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Disease activity was assessed by the Seborrheic Dermatitis Area and Severity Index by a single dermatologist. Serum zinc levels of all subjects were evaluated. Results: Statistically significantly lower serum zinc levels were noted in SD patients than in the control group (79.16 +/- 12.17 vs. 84.88 +/- 13.59, respectively; P = 0.045). Conclusion: The results of the study demonstrated that patients who had SD had lower levels of serum zinc levels than healthy subjects.