Seborrhea: Ocular and Skin Involvement

Abstract

Objectives: To study the frequency of ocular and skin involvement in patients with seborrheic dermatitis and to relate the severity of ocular involvement with the site of skin involvement.
Materials and Methods: This case control study was conducted at King Hussein Medical Center in the Royal Medical Services during the period between November 2003 and October 2004. Sixty-four patients attending dermatology clinic were diagnosed to have seborrheic dermatitis and referred to ophthalmology clinic. History was taken from each patient including the duration of symptoms and previous treatment. The results were compared with a control group of sixty-four patients not having seborrheic dermatitis. Snellen's visual acuity testing, anterior segment examination via slit lamp, vital staining with fluorescein and rosebengal particularly for punctuate keratopathy, and tear film assessment. The distribution of skin lesion was recorded and studied in relation to ocular involvement.
Results: Ocular involvement was evident in 90.6% of patients with seborrheic dermatitis. The most common ocular finding was blepharitis (84.4%). The scalp was involved in 71.9%. The most severe ocular involvement was seen in patients with eyebrow involvement.
Conclusion: It is important to refer any patient with seborrheic dermatitis to ophthalmology clinic since the vast majority of patients had ocular involvement.