Topical clobetasol propionate compared with placebo in the treatment of unretractable foreskin.
OBJECTIVE
To assess whether it is the steroid alone or the gentle physical retraction combined with ointment that is responsible for the excellent results observed with topical steroid treatment of unretractable foreskin.


METHODS
Prospective, randomised, double-blind study.


METHODS
University hospital, Sweden.


METHODS
30 Boys randomised to be treated with clobetasol propionate (n = 15) or placebo (n = 15).


METHODS
The boys were examined 1, 2 and 6 months, respectively, after treatment.


METHODS
Comparison between the effects of clobetasol propionate and placebo.


RESULTS
Two patients in the steroid group and one in the placebo group withdrew from the study. 10 Boys in the steroid group showed an improvement within 2 months. The remaining 3 boys had no effect and were circumcised. Histopathological examination showed lichen sclerosus et atrophicus. Seven boys in the placebo group improved. The 7 non-responders were prescribed clobetasol propionate ointment, and all 7 improved.


CONCLUSIONS
17 of 27 boys referred with "phimosis" were successfully treated with an ointment and gentle traction. When clobetasol propionate was given the non-responders success rate was increased to 24/27 (89%).
Lindhagen
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Dept of Surgery, University Hospital MAS, Malmö, Sweden.
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002944:Circumcision, Male; D002990:Clobetasol / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D006801:Humans; D018459:Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D008297:Male; D010409:Penile Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D010688:Phimosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D002990:Clobetasol