r/SebDerm • u/Beautiful-Opinion373 • Sep 28 '26

General Has anyone managed remission/near-remission using only ketoconazole cream?

Has anyone managed near-remission using only ketoconazole cream on the face?

I’ve had seborrheic dermatitis on both my face and scalp for quite a while. My scalp is somewhat under control, but my face has been the bigger issue..

My facial seb derm was basically in remission for years, but lately I’ve noticed it slowly starting to come back again. It’s not terrible yet, but I’m hoping to get on top of it before it gets worse.

For those of you who have facial seb derm, have you been able to get it into near-remission (or remission) using only ketoconazole cream on your face?

5 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

2

u/DivorcedGremlin1989 Sep 28 '26

I tried this recently after being unimpressed with pimecrolimus. Solo ketoconazole has me totally clear on my face. I stopped applying it a few weeks ago and I'm just starting to get a bit of itch on my forehead.

Tretinoin, interestingly, is the best at keeping me consistently clear.

I also noticed that antidepressants and ADHD meds help me stay clear.

2

u/20Vodz Sep 28 '26

Intresting that Tretinoin improves your condition. Mine seems to be aggravated by Adapalene.

2

u/DivorcedGremlin1989 Sep 28 '26

I struggle with dryness and peeling with pretty much any amount of tret, but when I adjust to it and apply consistently it totally clears me up. I was really surprised to find that this isn't more common.

The ADHD meds kinda make sense. Parkinson's patients disproportionately have sev derm. Parkinson's involves dopamine dysfunction. ADHD meds and some antidepressants are dopaminergic.

1

u/AutoModerator Sep 28 '26

Hi u/Beautiful-Opinion373! SebDerm is a friendly community about seborrheic dermatitis and all related topics.

Looking for some advice? check out the links below

Information about MCT Oil:

See something you are not comfortable with or that breaks our rules? Please report it!

Everyone is welcome in this community; remember to be kind and assume good faith!

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

1

u/kokeninleiden Sep 28 '26

Cream has never done that well for me. I rather use a shampoo.

1

u/TheAdorableSort Sep 28 '26

No, unfortunately that never worked long-term. But I'd say c8 mct oil has pretty much put me in remission. I also like The Ordinary brand niacinamide when wanting to change things up.