A new treatment for seborrheic dermatitis, approved by the FDA on December 16, 2023, is roflumilast foam 0.3% (Zoryve, Arcutis), a topical, non-steroidal medication for individuals aged 9 years and older.
Understanding Roflumilast Foam 0.3% (Zoryve)
- Mechanism of Action: Roflumilast is a phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor. PDE4 is an enzyme that plays a role in inflammation. By inhibiting PDE4, roflumilast helps to reduce inflammation associated with seborrheic dermatitis.
- Topical Application: The medication is applied directly to the affected areas of the skin as a foam.
- Non-Steroidal: Unlike many other treatments for seborrheic dermatitis, roflumilast is not a steroid. This is significant because long-term use of topical steroids can lead to side effects such as skin thinning and discoloration.
- Age Group: The FDA approval covers individuals aged 9 years and older.
Key Advantages of Roflumilast Foam
- Non-Steroidal Option: Provides an alternative for patients who cannot or do not want to use topical steroids.
- Effective Inflammation Reduction: Targets the inflammatory component of seborrheic dermatitis.
- Ease of Use: The foam formulation is typically easy to apply.
Considerations
- As with any medication, it is important to discuss the potential benefits and risks of roflumilast with a healthcare provider.
- Follow the prescribed application instructions carefully.
- Monitor for any side effects and report them to your doctor.
