Clinical application of ozone hydrotherapy combined with scalp complex acid treatment for moderate to severe scalp seborrheic dermatitis

Introduction This study evaluates the effectiveness of combining ozone hydrotherapy with scalp complex acid in treating scalp seborrheic dermatitis (SSD). Methods A total of 96 patients with moderate to severe SSD were randomly assigned to either the Control group (treated with scalp complex acid) or the Observation group (treated with a combination of ozone hydrotherapy and scalp complex acid). The treatment period lasted 4 weeks. SSD severity was evaluated using a 16-point composite score that assessed erythema, scaling, and pruritus. Total skin damage score was rated on a 4-point scale. Scalp sebum levels were measured using a Sebumeter SM 810, and serum levels of IL-1β and TNF-α were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results After 4 weeks, the Observation group showed significantly greater improvement in erythema, scaling, pruritus, sebum production, and lesion area compared to the Control group. The complete lesion clearance rate was significantly higher in the Observation group (35.6%) than in the Control group (11.6%, p = 0.009). Additionally, the Observation group experienced more substantial reductions in skin damage score ( p < 0.001), Adhesive Scales Flaking Score (ASFS; p < 0.001), and scalp sebum content ( p = 0.001). Serum levels of IL-1β and TNF-α were also significantly lower in the Observation group, with IL-1β reduced to 59.20 ± 16.19 pg/mL ( p = 0.006) and TNF-α reduced to 68.33 ± 18.95 pg/mL ( p < 0.001). Discussion The combination of ozone hydrotherapy and scalp complex acid showed enhanced therapeutic benefits for SSD, leading to improved clinical outcomes and a reduction in systemic inflammation.