[Optimal measurement technic for the vasoconstrictor effect of corticosteroids. Comparative studies with reflection...

In 20 healthy male test subjects, a non-specific ointment base was applied to the back of the hand over 16 hours. Two days later, the same ointment base with 0.25% triamcinolone acetonide was once more applied to the back of the hand over 16 hours. The light reflection of the skin was measured by reflection photometry and the heat transport coefficient was measured fluvographically under the condition of the tourniquet test. The results show that the vasoconstrictor effect of triamcinolone acetonide is best detected by the reflection photometric measurements. In fluvographic measurement, the heat transport coefficient is most affected in maximal reactive hyperemia when the tourniquet has been removed. Application of the base led to a reduction of the blood flow and the water content of the skin after 16 hours, whereas the water content of the skin was unaffected in the presence of triamcinolone acetonide.