A Proof of Concept Clinical Trial Evaluating the Safety and Efficacy of Eucrisa (Crisaborole) in Patients With Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common and recurrent dermatosis that characteristically involves the scalp, nasolabial folds, eyebrows, glabella, and upper eye lids. It presents as an erythematous, thin scaly patch with a greasy sandpaper texture that varies depending on disease severity. While seborrheic dermatitis most frequently occurs on the face, it can involve other areas of the body especially the chest, abdomen, and axilla. Overall incidence is thought to be between 2-5% of the general population, though this is likely an underestimation. Pruritus is variable, though the signs and symptoms of this disorder are certainly worsened by certain external conditions especially weather, personal perspiration, stress, and poor hygiene. Patients often complain about the red, scaly patches on the face. Antifungal agents are frequently used as monotherapy or in combination regimens in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis. Topical corticosteroids are often used for their anti-inflammatory effects. Long term use of topical steroids on the face is not a preferred treatment modality due to the risk of striae development and other textural changes that occur over time. Therefore, topical crisaborole may be an alternative given its non-corticosteroid anti-inflammatory action. Crisaborole is a phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) inhibitor that increases intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels to exert its anti-inflammatory effects. While it has not previously been investigated for its effects in seborrheic dermatitis, further studies evaluating its role in this disease are warranted. Therefore, the investigators propose a proof of concept study using topical crisaborole 2% ointment on the face for 4 weeks to evaluate the anti-inflammatory action of this agent and its utility in the treatment of facial seborrheic dermatitis.