Clobetasol propionate emollient formulation foam in the treatment of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses.
BACKGROUND
Topical corticosteroids are the most common treatment modality for patients with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis; however, the efficacy of topical corticosteroids is often hampered by barriers to patient adherence, such as lack of efficacy, side effects and inconvenience. Recently published studies have investigated the safety and efficacy of a novel emollient foam (EF) formulation of clobetasol propionate (CP), a class I topical corticosteroid in psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.


OBJECTIVE
To summarize recent literature on CP EF foam, and to evaluate recent Phase II and III clinical trials of CP EF foam in psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.


METHODS
The MEDLINE (1950 - January 2008) database was searched using the following terms: 'clobetasol propionate foam', 'topical corticosteroids', 'topical glucocorticoids', 'psoriasis' and 'atopic dermatitis'. Results were evaluated for relevance and quality, and additional references were obtained from bibliographies of selected articles.


CONCLUSIONS
CP EF foam appears to be safe and effective for corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses in adults and children > or = 12 years of age. As compared to its hydroethanolic foam predecessor, CP EF presents a potential advance for patients who are less likely to tolerate alcohol-based foam. As alcohol-based foams can be irritating and cause stinging in non-hair-bearing areas, this new emollient formulation has the potential to widen the use of CP foam to more patients with atopic dermatitis and to more non-scalp body sites in patients with psoriasis.
Frangos
Jason E
JE
The Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
Kimball
Alexa B
AB
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D002648:Child; D017322:Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic; D017326:Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic; D002990:Clobetasol / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000188:drug therapy; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D002990:Clobetasol