Evaluation of the levels of trace elements in the blood and hair of patients with seborrheic dermatitis

Background: Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory disease. Structure and amount of lipids in skin, immunological reaction against Malassezia, lipase activity, genetics, environmental factors and stress contribute to the development of the disease, but the pathogenesis is not known precisely. Trace elements play a role in many important functions of organisms. However, the effects of trace elements on skin and adnexal structures are not fully understood. In this study, we aimed to determine the serum zinc, copper, and iron levels as well as the hair zinc, copper, iron, and manganese levels in patients with seborrheic dermatitis and to reveal the relationship between these parameters and seborrheic dermatitis. Materials and methods: 35 female patients with seborrheic dermatitis, aged over 18 years, and 34 healthy females with no known dermatologic or systemic diseases at similar ages were included in the study. Groups were compared in terms of serum and hair trace element levels. Results: When the serum samples of the groups were compared in terms of trace element levels, copper was statistically significantly higher in the seborrheic dermatitis group, but there was no statistically significant difference between zinc and iron levels. Zinc, copper, iron, and manganese levels in the hair samples of the seborrheic dermatitis group were significantly higher than in the control group. Conclusion: Results have shown that trace elements can contribute to the pathophysiology of seborrheic dermatitis. Malassezia colonization seen in seborrheic dermatitis, irritation, and inflammation may affect the passage and distribution of trace elements.