title: Ranking of the antipsoriatic effect of various topical corticosteroids applied under a hydrocolloid dressing--skin-thickness, blood-flow and colour measurements compared to clinical assessments.
abstract: In 10 patients with chronic plaque type psoriasis one or two plaques affected equally with psoriasis were chosen for study. Five punched out rings of a hydrocolloid dressing were applied to the psoriasis plaque(s). In each circular test area 20 mg of one of the following creams was applied: base, 1% hydrocortisone (DAK), 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide (Kenalogue), 0.1% betamethasone-17-valerate cream (Betnovate), and 0.05% clobetasol proprionate cream (Dermovate). The areas were occluded with a thin film of transparent hydrocolloid dressing (Comfeel Transparent Dressing), for 1 week. Non-invasive measurements (ultrasound skin thickness, laser-Doppler flowmetry, colorimetry) were performed before and after treatment. Therapeutic response was evaluated blindly by clinical score. The measurements showed a decline in blood flow, a decrease in skin thickness, and normalization of colour approaching that of normal skin, the more potent the corticosteroid used. The clinical scores showed the same: the more potent a corticosteroid used, the closer to the score of normal skin. Data on variability and applications of the methods are presented. The study concludes that potent corticosteroids occluded with a hydrocolloid dressing can clear psoriasis in 1 week. Short-course corticosteroid therapy appears harmless and relevant for clinical dermatology.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology (Bioengineering and Skin Laboratory), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Broby-Johansen
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Karlsmark
authors.forename: L J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Petersen
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Serup
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D047070:Bandages, Hydrocolloid; D001624:Betamethasone Valerate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002990:Clobetasol / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003102:Colloids; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009779:Occlusive Dressings; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D013997:Time Factors; D014222:Triamcinolone Acetonide / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D003102:Colloids; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D001624:Betamethasone Valerate; D002990:Clobetasol; D014222:Triamcinolone Acetonide; D006854:Hydrocortisone