[Treatment with topical corticosteroids in severe or resistant dermatoses]

The efficacy and safety of betamethasone dipropionate glycol cream 0.05% and desoximetasone ointment 0.25% were compared in a randomized, double-blind study of 80 patients with resistant or severe corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses. Medication was applied to affected areas at a dosage of 3.5 grams twice daily for 14 days. In each treatment group, evaluation of efficacy was based on results in 35 patients and that of safety in 40 patients. Among betamethasone dipropionate glycol cream 0.05%-treated patients, signs and symptoms of dermatologic disease either cleared completely or markedly improved in 34/35 (97%). Comparable responses were observed in 31/35 (89%) patients treated with desoximetasone ointment 0.25%. Local tolerance to both study medications was excellent; no adverse reactions occurred. Plasma cortisol reduction occurred in few patients (4 resp. 3 patients each group), however this effect was only transient and reversible.