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Analysis of Chinese herbal creams prescribed for dermatological conditions
F M Keane1, S E Munn, A W Vivier
1Department of Dermatology, King's College Hospital, London SE5 9RS.
Objective:
To determine whether Chinese herbal creams used for the treatment of dermatological conditions contain steroids.
Design:
11 herbal creams obtained from patients attending general and pediatric dermatology outpatient clinics were analyzed with high resolution gas chromatography and mass spectrometry.
Setting:
Departments of dermatology and clinical biochemistry. ;
Main Outcome Measure:
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.
Conclusion:
Greater regulation needs to be imposed on Chinese herbalists to prevent illegal and inappropriate prescribing of potent steroids.