title: Infrared camera evaluation of the cooling effect of triamcinolone acetonide aerosol.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Triamcinolone acetonide spray is a topical corticosteroid indicated for the relief of inflammatory/pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses. There are clinical reports of an antipruritic, cooling sensation appreciated upon application. This study was designed to quantify the cryotherapeutic cooling effect of triamcinolone acetonide spray.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using an infrared video camera, skin surface temperature was evaluated for change upon application of the triamcinolone acetonide and two comparator ingredient components of triamcinolone acetonide: ethanol alcohol in a non-aerosolized spray and triamcinolone acetonide cream.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was an open-label, single center, comparator study.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study enrolled 20 subjects with a diagnosis of either an acute or chronic steroid-responsive dermatosis. Ten additional controls were also enrolled.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using an infrared video camera, skin surface temperature was evaluated for change upon application of the triamcinolone acetonide and two comparator ingredient components of triamcinolone acetonide:ethanol alcohol in a non-aerosolized spray and triamcinolone acetonide cream.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Across every study cohort, the average change in skin surface temperature with triamcinolone acetonide (between 16-18°C; P<0.001 for all comparisons, Figures 1 and 2) was significantly greater than the change demonstrated by both the non-aerosolized spray (between 5-7°C) and the triamcinolone acetonide cream (between 5.0-6.5°C).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The transient temperature change of nearly 20°C with triamcinolone acetonide is most likely attributable to the refrigerant properties of the isobutane propellant of this product. Similar to other common cryotherapy methods, triamcinolone acetonide can achieve very low skin surface temperatures, which may result in localized relief of pruritus.
authors.affiliation: Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, New York, New York.
authors.forename: Rita V
authors.initials: RV
authors.lastname: Linkner
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sohn
authors.forename: Kristin A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Goldenberg
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lebwohl