title: Pharmacokinetics of topical hydrocortisone at plasma level after applications once or twice daily in patients with widespread dermatitis.
abstract: Percutaneous absorption of hydrocortisone was measured by determining plasma cortisol during dexamethasone suppression in 26 patients with widespread atopic dermatitis. The first and second days of treatment with applications of 1% hydrocortisone cream twice daily were studied separately in two groups of six patients. Plasma cortisol levels rose after the first two applications, reaching a maximum in 24 h. The levels then began to fall, indicating possible restoration of the skin barrier. In two other groups of seven patients, the second application was made with a cream base alone. Two types of cream base were studied, one with 60% water and the other with 30% water. With the base containing 30% water, a brief increment was seen after 2 h. On the basis of this pharmacokinetic study, treatment of acute dermatitis could be intensified by applying hydrocortisone cream twice a day on the first day, but from the second day onward one application a day seems to be sufficient.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Aalto-Korte
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Turpeinen
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012869:Skin Absorption
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D006854:Hydrocortisone