Aggressive topical corticosteroid therapy: a novel approach to mast-cell-dependent cutaneous disorders.
Topical corticosteroids are utilized in the treatment of a wide variety of skin diseases, primarily those involving an inflammatory component. Recent investigations have revealed that one of the effects of long-term usage of steroids is the depletion of skin mast cells. This led to the treatment of patients with urticaria pigmentosa with topical high potency corticosteroids for 6 weeks. At the end of treatment there was a marked reduction in tissue histamine and an absence of mast cells as well as a disappearance of pruritus and Darier's sign. Treated areas remained clinically improved for at least 9-12 months. Observations that corticosteroids profoundly affect mast cells in vivo provides a rationale to devise new treatment regimens for mast-cell-related diseases.
Lavker
R M
RM
Duhring Laboratories, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia.
Schechter
N M
NM
Guzzo
C
C
Lazarus
G S
GS
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001623:Betamethasone / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D006801:Humans; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D014222:Triamcinolone Acetonide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014582:Urticaria Pigmentosa / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; C011175:betamethasone-17,21-dipropionate; D001623:Betamethasone; D014222:Triamcinolone Acetonide