Investigating the role of dietary glycemic factors and antioxidant capacity, metabolic status, and oxidative stress in seborrheic dermatitis: A case-control study.

Background: The etiopathogenesis of seborrheic dermatitis (SD) remains unexplained, although several factors have been considered in this regard.

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate diet, metabolic status, and oxidative stress in SD patients.

Methods: This prospective, single-center, case-control study included 49 SD patients and 40 gender- and age-matched healthy controls.

Results: Dietary total antioxidant capacity values were significantly lower in SD patients than among the controls (7.16 ± 2.66 vs 12.85 ± 4.26; P < .001). Glycemic load (GL) values were significantly higher in SD patients (187.2 ± 57.2 vs 110.6 ± 46.5; P < .001). The glycemic index and GL values of patients with severe SD were significantly higher than those with mild SD (P = .014, P = .017; respectively).

Limitations: The cross-sectional design, small sample size, and the relatively short duration of questioning dietary habits are the limitations of the study.

Conclusion: A diet rich in antioxidants and with low glycemic index/GL content may be beneficial in the treatment of SD.