Emerging Non-Steroidal Therapies and Long-Term Management of Seborrheic Dermatitis

This episode, titled Emerging Non-Steroidal Therapies and Long-Term Management of Seborrheic Dermatitis, features dermatologists discussing the following critical questions:

What non-steroidal therapies under investigation, including crisaborole, ruxolitinib, do you see as potentially impactful for the future management of SD?

How do adverse-event profiles of topical steroids, antifungals, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories influence treatment persistence and long-term management decisions in SD?

How do emerging non-steroidal therapies fit into your long-term treatment strategy for SD, particularly for patients with recurrent or difficult-to-control disease?

Led by Christopher Bunick, MD, PhD, Benjamin Ungar, MD examined several non-steroidal therapies that are currently under investigation for seborrheic dermatitis (SD), including the PDE-4 inhibitor crisaborole and the JAK inhibitor ruxolitinib, both of which target specific inflammatory pathways implicated in the disease. These agents offer the potential to control chronic inflammation while minimizing the risks associated with long-term steroid use, such as skin atrophy and rebound flares. The adverse-event profiles of topical steroids, antifungals, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories play a critical role in treatment persistence, as tolerability directly influences patient adherence and long-term outcomes. Steroids, while effective for rapid symptom relief, are often limited by cumulative side effects, especially on sensitive skin areas like the face. Antifungals are generally well-tolerated but primarily address microbial triggers rather than the inflammatory component of SD. Emerging non-steroidal therapies provide a complementary approach by targeting inflammation directly, making them particularly useful for patients with recurrent or difficult-to-control disease. Incorporating these agents into a long-term treatment strategy allows for sustained disease control, flare prevention, and improved quality of life. Overall, the evolving therapeutic landscape supports more personalized, mechanism-based management of SD.

Throughout the conversation, the experts provide a comprehensive reflection on the field and the factors that may shape how clinicians approach care moving forward.

In the next episode, Personalized Treatment Strategies for Seborrheic Dermatitis, panelists will continue their discussion on and highlight how patient characteristics, preferences, and disease severity guide treatment selection, sequencing, and the use of combination therapy in seborrheic dermatitis. It also explores strategies for individualized counseling to set realistic expectations, optimize tolerability, and support adherence across diverse patient populations.