Evaluation of a Novel Short-Contact Therapy With 4% Glycyrrhetinic Acid Complex Gel for Scalp Seborrheic Dermatitis: A Pre- and Postintervention Study

Background: Scalp seborrheic dermatitis (SSD) is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis characterized by sebum imbalance and proliferation of Malassezia species. While various antifungal shampoos are commonly used to manage SSD, there remains a substantial demand for alternative treatments that provide a more rapid onset of action. Glycyrrhetinic acid is recognized for its antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiallergic properties. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a novel scalp gel containing 4% glycyrrhetinic acid complex as a short-contact therapy for SSD.

Methods: A total of 40 patients with SSD were enrolled in this study and treated with the 4% glycyrrhetinic acid complex gel using a short-contact therapy approach. Clinical efficacy was assessed by the Adherent Scalp Flaking Score (ASFS) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) at baseline, Week 1, and Week 2, all evaluated by the same dermatologist. Treatment satisfaction was measured at Week 2 using the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (TSQ).

Results: Significant improvements in ASFS and DLQI were observed at both Week 1 and Week 2 compared to baseline. Patient satisfaction, as measured by the TSQ, yielded a mean score of 4.2 ± 0.8 on a 5-point scale.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates the clinical efficacy of the novel 4% glycyrrhetinic acid complex scalp gel as a short-contact therapy for SSD. The rapid onset of action and significant improvement in symptoms suggest that this gel could serve as an effective alternative for managing SSD in the acute phase.