Effect of topical application of dexamethasone on Propionibacteria in the pilosebaceous duct.
A preparation of dexamethasone 0.02% in Eutanol G (n octyldodecanol) was applied once daily for three weeks, to the right side of the forehead of 25 male healthy test subjects. Eutanol G without dexamethasone was applied in the same way to the left side of the forehead. Before and at the end of the treatment period bacteria were removed from the pilo-sebaceous ducts by the method of Holland et al. [8]. Bacteria that grew under anaerobic conditions were evaluated quantitatively. Dexamethasone induced a significant increase in P. acnes, in all Propionibacteria and in the total bacterial count. The importance of these findings is discussed in relation to the development of steroid acne.
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D000693:Anaerobiosis; D002648:Child; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011424:Propionibacterium / Q000187:drug effects*; D011425:Propionibacterium acnes / Q000187:drug effects; D012627:Sebaceous Glands / Q000187:drug effects / Q000382:microbiology*
D003907:Dexamethasone