Efficacy and Safety of 30% Supramolecular Salicylic Acid Combined With Supramolecular Active Zinc in the Treatment of Malassezia Folliculitis

Malassezia folliculitis is a common dermatological disorder. While antifungal agents generally demonstrate efficacy in application, the prevalence of recurrence and drug resistance remains a common occurrence. Supramolecular salicylic acid represents a novel class of superficial chemical peel agents, exhibiting keratolytic, anti-inflammatory, and bacteriostatic properties. Zinc pyrithione has broad spectrum antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory effects. In the present study, investigators evaluated the clinical efficacy of topical application of supramolecular salicylic acid in combination with zinc pyrithione for the treatment and prevention of Malassezia folliculitis recurrence. The enrolled patients received daily application of topical supramolecular active zinc anti-dandruff lotion, in conjunction with weekly application of 30% supramolecular salicylic acid, for a duration of 8 weeks. Lesion counts, Malassezia detection, clinical symptom scores, patient satisfaction, and side effects were recorded at each visit till the week 12.

Inclusion criteria

• Males and nonpregnant females, aged 18-65 years old;
• Diagnosed as Malassezia folliculitis;
• The total lesion counts of the anterior chest or posterior dorsal skin ranged from 30 to 100 (included papules, pustules, and papulopustules).

Exclusion criteria

• Suffering other skin diseases that may influence the result;
• Established allergy to supramolecular salicylic acid or supramolecular active zinc;
• Pregnant and lactating patients;
• Patients who had received oral antifungal treatment within 4 months before the trial (or topical antifungal treatment within 2 months); had received oral antibiotics, glucocorticoids, and other folliculitis drugs within 4 weeks; or used physiotherapy for folliculitis; or treated with salicylic acid and alpha hydroxy acid; or used other topical medications for folliculitis within 2 weeks;
• History of injection or surgery at the affected site within 2 months before the trial;
• Immunodeficiency diseases.