title: Effects of topical ammonium lactate on cutaneous atrophy from a potent topical corticosteroid.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Topical corticosteroids produce atrophic changes in skin, including thinning of the epidermis and decrease in dermal ground substance. We observed that 12% ammonium lactate produced an increase in the thickness of epidermis and increased amounts of dermal glycosaminoglycans.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Our purpose was to determine whether 12% ammonium lactate could minimize cutaneous atrophy produced by a potent topical corticosteroid.
  
  
  METHODS
  Clobetasol propionate, 12% ammonium lactate, and both agents were repetitively applied under occlusive patches as well as in open patches on the forearms of human volunteers for 3 to 4 weeks. Biopsy specimens were analyzed for thickness of the epidermis and dermal glycosaminoglycans by image analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twelve percent ammonium lactate produced a significant sparing of atrophy in both the epidermis and dermis without any influence on the bioavailability or antiinflammatory properties of the corticosteroid.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Twelve percent ammonium lactate may be useful in mitigating the adverse effects of corticosteroid on skin.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia 19104.
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Lavker
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kaidbey
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Leyden
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology; D001284:Atrophy / Q000139:chemically induced; D001682:Biological Availability; D002990:Clobetasol / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D004347:Drug Interactions; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D006801:Humans; D007773:Lactates / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019344:Lactic Acid; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology*
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D007773:Lactates; D019344:Lactic Acid; D002990:Clobetasol