Seborrheic dermatitis in ıntensive care unit patients: a cross-sectional study of prevalence, severity, and associated clinical factors

Background: Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a common inflammatory skin disorder; however, its characteristics in intensive care unit (ICU) patients are not well defined.
Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and severity of SD, as well as its potential associated factors, in ICU patients.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included 102 adult patients admitted to the ICU. SD was assessed with a standardized clinical scoring system. Demographic characteristics, ICU length of stay, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores, level of consciousness, sedation status, immunosuppression, immune dysfunction, comorbidities, and medication use were recorded. Patients with and without SD were compared, and a multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent factors associated with SD.
Results: SD was identified in 39 of 102 patients (38.2%). In multivariable analysis, level of consciousness was independently associated with SD (overall p=0.035). Compared with conscious patients, sedated patients had significantly higher odds of SD (OR 5.05, 95% CI 1.41–18.08; p=0.013). No significant associations were observed for age, sex, ICU length of stay, immunosuppression, or immune dysfunction.
Conclusion: SD was common among critically ill patients. Level of consciousness emerged as the only factor independently associated with SD, whereas systemic factors and medication use were not significantly associated. Further studies incorporating detailed assessments of skin care practices, local skin factors, and other potential contributing factors are needed to clarify the mechanisms underlying these associations.

Keywords: Seborrheic dermatitis; intensive care unit; critical illness; skin care; Glasgow Coma Scale; prevalence