Andrew Alexis, MD, MPH

Credit: weillcornell.org

Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Inc., announced the beginning of a comprehensive educational campaign titled ‘Clearing Up Seb Derm,’ designed to enhance connections, raise awareness, and increase support for those dealing with seborrheic dermatitis.¹

The new initiative is set to provide helpful insights from leading dermatologists as well as personal accounts from individuals living with seborrheic dermatitis. The ‘Clearing Up Seb Derm’ campaign was designed to address the noted lack of understanding and general information surrounding the skin condition and its effects on individuals' daily lives.

Officials with Arcutis expressed that the new initiative was designed to spotlight the variability of symptoms for those with the condition from person to person, noting differences over different body areas and diverse skin tones. These differences can lead to patient or clinician confusion between seborrheic dermatitis and other dermatologic conditions.

Andrew Alexis, MD, MPH, dermatologist and the Vice-Chair for Diversity and Inclusion at the Department of Dermatology at Weill Cornell Medicine, noted the importance of the initiative for those with richly-pigmented skin.

“Seborrheic dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin condition that affects an estimated 10 million Americans,” Alexis said in a statement. “Seborrheic dermatitis can affect anyone, and for Black/African Americans patients, it is the third most common skin condition seen in the dermatology clinic.”

Arcutis officials also noted that those facing the skin condition frequently stress its impacts on their physical appearance, levels of anxiety, routines with personal hygiene, choices of clothes, and even sleep quality. Yet a 2022 online Harris Poll survey found that 63% of over 300 responders with seborrheic dermatitis did not view their symptoms as warranting medical attention.²

According to the same poll, 90% of patients wish they had been aware of the specific symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis that could have helped them to identify the condition. Christina Sims, a person living with seborrheic dermatitis, expressed her own hesitation with seeking medical attention for the condition.

“I waited about six months before I went to see my dermatologist about my symptoms because I could not find information online," Sims said in a statement. "After my diagnosis, I felt so alone and embarrassed. Through sharing my story online, I was able to find and connect with other people experiencing the same thing."

Sims added that she partnered with Arcutis to provide educational resources on the skin condition with the goal of empowering patients to see their healthcare providers sooner than they might have.

Andrew Alexis, MD, MPH, further described his views on the value of the educational initiative for many who may not realize that they even have the condition.

“In richly pigmented skin, seborrheic dermatitis can present differently than in lightly pigmented skin,” Alexis added. “For example, patients with skin of color often present with lighter colored patches on the cheeks, eyebrows, or hairline with or without visible redness or scaling. This campaign can help raise awareness and understanding of Seb Derm across various skin types.”

References

1. ^{Arcutis Biotherapeautics, Inc. New Campaign from Arcutis Aims to Educate, Raise Awareness, and Provide Encouragement for Those Living with Seborrheic Dermatitis. Globe Newswire. September 25, 2023. https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2023/09/25/2748693/0/en/New-Campaign-from-Arcutis-Aims-to-Educate-Raise-Awareness-and-Provide-Encouragement-for-Those-Living-with-Seborrheic-Dermatitis.html. Date accessed: September 25, 2023.}
2. ^{Arcutis Biotherapeautics, Inc. Press Release. Nationwide Seborrheic Dermatitis Survey Shows Burdensome and Lengthy Path to Diagnosis. September 25, 2023. https://www.arcutis.com/nationwide-seborrheic-dermatitis-survey-shows-burdensome-and-lengthy-path-to-diagnosis/. Date accessed: September 25, 2023.}