title: The effect of topical steroids on cutaneous oxygen tension.
abstract: The precise mode of action of topically applied steroids is unknown. We have applied clobetasol propionate 0.05% ointment (Dermovate; Glaxo Pharmaceuticals) under occlusion to the forearm skin of 10 healthy volunteers for 6 h and monitored transcutaneous oxygen tension at the site for 19 h after its removal. Compared to the ointment base, the steroid-treated area was significantly hypoxic up to 13 h after application. The profound hypoxia present at the site of application of clobetasol propionate 0.05% ointment may account for some of its anti-inflammatory effects, and its atrophogenicity.
authors.affiliation: School of Pharmacy, University of London, U.K.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Haria
authors.forename: R C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: O'Neill
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wright
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D001785:Blood Gas Monitoring, Transcutaneous; D002990:Clobetasol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D000860:Hypoxia / Q000139:chemically induced; D012039:Regional Blood Flow / Q000187:drug effects; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply*
chemical_list: D002990:Clobetasol