Analysis of Chinese herbal creams prescribed for dermatological conditions.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether Chinese herbal creams used for the treatment of dermatological conditions contain steroids.


METHODS
11 herbal creams obtained from patients attending general and pediatric dermatology outpatient clinics were analyzed with high resolution gas chromatography and mass spectrometry.


METHODS
Departments of dermatology and clinical biochemistry. ;


METHODS
Presence of steroid.


RESULTS
Eight creams contained dexamethasone at a mean concentration of 456 mug/g (range 64 to 1500 mug/g). All were applied to areas of sensitive skin such as face and flexures.


CONCLUSIONS
Greater regulation needs to be imposed on Chinese herbalists to prevent illegal and inappropriate prescribing of potent steroids.
Keane
F M
FM
Department of Dermatology, King's College Hospital, London SE5 9RS.
Munn
S E
SE
Vivier
A W
AW
Higgins
E M
EM
Taylor
N F
NF