How Much Does Seborrheic Dermatitis Treatment Cost?
With Health Insurance: $5-$50+ Copays or 10%-50% Coinsurance
Without Health Insurance: $50-$400+ Per Month
Seborrheic dermatitis is a condition which causes scaly white or yellowish patches to form on oily areas of the skin, most commonly the scalp. When it occurs in babies, it is known as cradle cap and usually goes away in the first year. In adults, it often is a chronic condition, but treatment can reduce the number and severity of flare-ups.
Typical costs:
For patients covered by health insurance, out-of-pocket costs typically consist of doctor visit copays, the full of cost of over-the-counter shampoos or creams, and/or prescription drug copays of $5-$50 or more, or coinsurance of 10%-50%. Seborrheic dermatitis treatment typically is covered by health insurance, but some drugs might not be covered. For example, according to a clinical policy bulletin, Aetna covers the immunomodulators Elidel and Protopic only when certain criteria have been met, such as allergy to, intolerance of or failure of a prescription topical corticosteroid.
For patients not covered by health insurance, the cost of diagnosis can reach $150 or more, plus the cost of the doctor visit, if a skin biopsy is required. Seborrheic dermatitis treatment for mild cases typically costs less than $20 a month for over-the-counter shampoo and/or other topical medication. For example, Drugstore.com charges about $9 for a tube of Cortizone 10 Plus Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream and about $16 for a bottle of over-the-counter Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, which contains the anti-fungal ketoconazole.
Seborrheic dermatitis treatment for moderate to severe cases can cost from less than $50 up to almost $400 or more per month for prescription shampoo or topical medication, depending on the drug, whether it is generic or brand name and the amount used. For example, Drugstore.com charges about $28 for a bottle of generic prescription-strength ketoconazole shampoo. And it charges about $54 for a bottle of brand-name prescription-strength Nizoral shampoo. Drugstore.com charges $25-$45 for a tube of prescription ciclopirox olamine cream. It charges about $320 for a bottle of brand-name prescription Loprox shampoo, which contains ciclopirox olamine. It charges about $180-$480 for a tube or jar of brand-name prescription Loprox gel, depending on the size. And Drugstore.com charges about $150-$300 for a tube, depending on size and strength, of the immunosuppressant ointment Protopic. And it typically charges $140-$470 for a tube, depending on the size, of the brand-name immunosuppressant cream Elidel.
Seborrheic dermatitis typically is diagnosed with a visual examination and, in some cases, a skin biopsy to eliminate the possibility of other conditions such as ringworm.
For mild to moderate cases, the doctor typically will recommend an over-the counter -- or, some cases, prescription -- shampoo or topical medication. Anti-fungal agents in these products, such as ketoconazole[1] or ciclopirox[2] , can help to control a certain type of yeast thought to contribute to seborrheic dermatitis, while topical corticosteroids, such as cortisone cream, desonide[3] , or betamethasone[4] , can be used in the short term to control itching and inflammation.
In severe cases that do not respond to other treatments, the doctor might prescribe an oral medication or an immunosuppressant cream such as pimecrolimus topical[5] (brand name Elidel) or tacrolimus topical[6] (brand name Protopic).
The Mayo Clinic offers an overview of treatment for seborrheic dermatitis[7] .
Additional costs:
It is recommended that patients wear loose-fitting cotton clothing and use personal care products suitable for sensitive skin.
Discounts:
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers a locator[8] for clinics with sliding fee scales based on income.
Some drug manufacturers offer patient assistance programs. Any patient without prescription drug coverage who is not eligible for Medicare typically qualifies for Together Rx Access[9] , a discount card that offers 25%-40% off many brand-name drugs.
Shopping for seborrheic dermatitis treatment:
A pediatrician, family doctor, or dermatologist can diagnose and treat seborrheic dermatitis. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers a pediatrician locator.The American Academy of Dermatology offers a dermatologist locator[10] .
Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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