title: Problems in selection of topical anti-inflammatory corticosteroids.
abstract: Desonide, a non-fluorinated topical corticosteroid (16-alpha-hydroxyprednisolone acetonide), is compared with its fluorinated analogue, triamcinolone acetonide, as to vasoconstriction ability and epidermal penetration rate. Clinical effectiveness of desonide is further assessed by means of a double-blind paired comparison with an accepted potent fluorinated steroid, betamethasone 17-valerate. It is demonstrated that fluorination of the steroid molecule is not necessary to achieve potent topical anti-inflammatory effect. Vasoconstriction and epidermal penetration are not enhanced by fluorination in the drugs studied.
mesh_terms: D000005:Abdomen; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001623:Betamethasone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002102:Cadaver; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000188:drug therapy; D003877:Dermatitis, Contact / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011239:Prednisolone; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy; D012869:Skin Absorption / Q000187:drug effects; D014222:Triamcinolone Acetonide / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014655:Vascular Resistance / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D001623:Betamethasone; D011239:Prednisolone; D014222:Triamcinolone Acetonide