Epidemiology and Dermatological Comorbidity of Seborrhoeic Dermatitis – Population‐based Study in 161,000 Employees

Summary

Background

Seborrhoeic dermatitis (SD) is a common but epidemiologically poorly researched chronic skin disease.

Objectives

To characterise the prevalence and dermatological comorbidity of SD in Germany.

Methods

In the course of voluntary company skin checks, full body examinations were carried out in more than 500 companies by experienced dermatologists and documented electronically.

Results

161,269 participants were included (55.5% male, mean age 43.2+10.9 years). SD was identified in 3.2% (men: 4.6%, women 1.4%). A significant difference was found between age groups (2.0% in < 35; 3.6% in 35‐64; 4.4% ≥ 65 years). Most frequent concomitant skin conditions were: folliculitis (17.0%, 95% CI 15.9‐18.1), onychomycosis (9.1%, 95% CI 8.3‐10.0), tinea pedis (7.1%, 95% CI 6.3‐7.8), rosacea (4.1%, 95% CI 3.6‐4.7), acne (4.0%, 95% CI 3.4‐4.5) and psoriasis (2.7%, 95% CI 2.3‐3.2).

Regression analysis revealed the following relative dermatological comorbidity when controlling for age and gender: folliculitis (OR 2.1, 95% CI 2.0‐2.3), contact dermatitis (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.1‐2.8), intertriginous dermatitis (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.4‐2.2), rosacea (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.4‐1.8), acne (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.2‐1.7), pyoderma (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1‐1.8), tinea corporis (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.0‐2.0), pityriasis versicolor (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.0‐1.7) and psoriasis (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.0‐1.4).

Conclusions

SD is a common disease which is more prevalent in men and older people and has an increased rate of dermatological comorbidity. However, absolute differences in prevalence of comorbidities are mostly small and negligible. Nevertheless, the findings underline the necessity of integrated, complete dermatological diagnostics and therapy.

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