Efficacy, Benefits, and Adverse Effects of Adjunctive Oral Probiotic Supplementation in the Management of Scalp Seborrheic Dermatitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction

Scalp seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by scaling and pruritus that often responds inadequately to conventional monotherapy. Because current treatments carry relapse risks and tolerability concerns, adjunctive interventions are needed to improve clinical outcomes. Therefore, this randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the efficacy, therapeutic benefits, and adverse effects of adjunctive oral probiotic supplementation in managing scalp seborrheic dermatitis. Material and methods: This prospective, parallel-group randomized controlled trial at Sina Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, enrolled 62 patients with scalp seborrheic dermatitis, determined via the standard two-arm comparative superiority formula. Participants were divided into a control group receiving conventional therapy (n=30) and an intervention group receiving conventional therapy combined with adjunctive oral probiotics (n=32) to evaluate comparative efficacy, therapeutic benefits, and adverse effects.