Related Experiment Videos
Effects of widespread dermatitis and topical steroid therapy on thyroid function tests
A D Ormerod1, J How, P D Bewsher
1Department of Dermatology, Aberdeen University, UK.
Dermatologica
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Topical betamethasone valerate did not affect thyroid function tests in patients with dermatitis. However, widespread inflamed skin in some patients led to altered thyroid hormone levels due to euthyroid sick syndrome.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Topical corticosteroids like betamethasone valerate are commonly used for inflammatory skin conditions.
- The potential impact of extensive topical corticosteroid use on systemic thyroid function requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of topical betamethasone valerate on thyroid function in patients with extensive dermatitis.
- To determine if skin inflammation influences thyroid hormone levels during corticosteroid treatment.
Main Methods:
- Five patients with extensive dermatitis and five healthy controls received topical betamethasone valerate 0.1% (19-34 g daily) for four days.
- Thyroid function tests were performed before and after treatment.
Main Results:
- Thyroid function tests remained unaffected by topical betamethasone valerate treatment in all subjects.
- Altered serum thyroid hormone levels were observed in some patients with widespread inflamed skin, consistent with euthyroid sick syndrome.
Conclusions:
- Topical betamethasone valerate, even in large quantities for short durations, does not appear to impair thyroid function tests.
- Widespread skin inflammation in dermatitis patients may lead to changes in thyroid hormone levels, indicative of euthyroid sick syndrome, irrespective of topical corticosteroid treatment.