The interrelation of seborrheic dermatitis with facial skin lesions with metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In recent decades, interest in the role of metabolic syndrome and its impact on dermatological pathology has been steadily increasing. One of the pathogenetic components of the metabolic syndrome is inflammation, and many pro-inflammatory factors play a crucial role in the development of this disease. However, the interrelation between the metabolic syndrome and facial skin lesions in seborrheic dermatitis remains not fully understood. AIMS: To identify a possible association of seborrheic dermatitis with the involvement of the skin of the face with metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 45 patients with seborrheic dermatitis, divided into 3 groups (patients with seborrheic dermatitis, patients with seborrheic dermatitis and metabolic syndrome, and patients with seborrheic dermatitis, metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus). The severity of the disease was determined by the lesion area and the seborrheic dermatitis severity index (SEDASI). The metabolic syndrome was diagnosed based on the NCEP ATP III criteria. RESULTS: When assessing the severity of seborrheic dermatitis of the face and scalp, it was found that in group 1, a mild degree was observed in all (100%) patients. In group 2, 7 (46.7%) patients had moderate lesion and 8 (53.3%) patients had severe lesion. In group 3, a moderate degree of the disease was observed in 10 (82%) patients and severe in 5 (18%) patients. A positive correlation was found between the indices of metabolic syndrome and the severity of seborrheic dermatitis with facial skin lesions. A significant correlation was shown between the level of triglycerides and the number of anatomical zones involved in the process (r=0.74; p 0.01). In patients of groups 2 and 3, a direct interrelation was established between low levels of HDL, high levels of LDL and the severity of SD of the face (r=0.379; p=0.76), (r=0.321, p=0.037). CONCLUSION: The severity of the course and spread of seborrheic dermatitis on the face can serve as a diagnostic marker of metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus. An increase in the level of LDL and triglycerides, a decrease in the level of HDL, and insulin resistance are associated with a severe course of seborrheic dermatitis in a person, playing a significant role in the pathogenesis of the disease.