An occlusive dressing containing betamethasone valerate 0.1% for the treatment of prurigo nodularis.
BACKGROUND
Prurigo nodularis is a distressing condition characterized by the presence of multiple nodules associated with intense pruritus.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the clinical efficacy and safety of betamethasone valerate 0.1% tape and a moisturizing itch-relief cream in prurigo nodularis.


METHODS
Twelve patients were enrolled in this pilot comparison of betamethasone valerate 0.1% tape versus a moisturizing itch-relief cream containing feverfew. The study period was 4 weeks. Clinical evaluation was performed weekly.


RESULTS
Eleven subjects completed the 4 weeks of therapy. The mean visual analogue scale (VAS) for pruritus at baseline was 8.75 for both sides of the body. The side treated with betamethasone valerate 0.1% tape showed a higher clinical response (VAS score at week 4: 3.9; p < 0.005) compared with the side treated with moisturizing itch-relief cream (VAS score at week 4: 5.6; p < 0.005).


CONCLUSIONS
Both treatments were effective. However, the occlusive dressing enhanced the efficacy of the treatment, preventing scratching.
Department of Dermatology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy. rositasaraceno@yahoo.it
Rosita
R
Saraceno
Andrea
A
Chiricozzi
Steven Paul
SP
Nisticò
Sergio
S
Tiberti
Sergio
S
Chimenti
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000982:Antipruritics / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001624:Betamethasone Valerate / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004643:Emollients / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009779:Occlusive Dressings; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000379:methods; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011536:Prurigo / Q000188:drug therapy*; D053832:Surgical Tape; D020903:Tanacetum parthenium; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000982:Antipruritics; D004643:Emollients; D001624:Betamethasone Valerate