A new model for human bioassay of topical corticosteroids

The aiblity of topical corticosteroids to reduce the size of weals induced with histamine on human skin was used as a human bioassay model to assess their relative efficacy. Histamine was introduced by the pinprick method and various topical corticosteroids were assessed. It is a simple, easy and reliable procedure which can be used on both white and dark people. Even though it is a non-clinical assay, it possesses close similarity to processes involved in the development of clinical dermatoses.