Squamometry in seborrheic dermatitis.
BACKGROUND
Seborrheic dermatitis is a corticosteroid-responsive condition. Topical corticosteroids exhibit distinct activities according to the type and cellular site of action of the hormone and its vehicle. The latter influences not only drug penetration, but also the structure and function of the horny layer.


OBJECTIVE
The present study compared the early response of seborrheic dermatitis to two topical corticosteroids using objective quantifications of the stratum corneum alterations.


METHODS
Squamometry was used to supplement the clinical assessment of the therapeutic activity of 0.1% hydrocortisone butyrate in an oil-in-water emulsion (Locoid Crelo) and 0.05% betamethasone 17-21 dipropionate lotion (Diprosone lotion).


RESULTS
The hydrocortisone butyrate formulation had a faster onset of efficacy as documented by a greater improvement of lesions after a 1-week twice-daily treatment. Clearance or marked improvement was observed in the two treatment groups at completion of the 2-week trial.


CONCLUSIONS
As the ranking of the clinical efficacy was not predicted by the intrinsic anti-inflammatory potency of the steroids, it is suggested that the vehicle contributed itself to the global in vivo efficacy. The anti-inflammatory action of hydrocortisone butyrate appears to be synergistically implemented by the emollient effect of the specially designed oil-in-water emulsion.
Piérard-Franchimont
C
C
Department of Dermatopathology, University Medical Center Sart Tilman, Liège, Belgium.
Willemaers
V
V
Fraiture
A L
AL
Piérard
G E
GE
D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001623:Betamethasone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003124:Colorimetry / Q000379:methods; D012628:Dermatitis, Seborrheic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004655:Emulsions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D004655:Emulsions; D001623:Betamethasone; D006854:Hydrocortisone