A double-blind comparison of 0.25% and 0.05% desoxymethasone, 0.1% betamethasone valerate and 1% hydrocortisone creams in the treatment of eczema

J Int Med Res. 1987 May-Jun;15(3):160-6. doi: 10.1177/030006058701500306.

Abstract

The efficacy and acceptability of 0.25% and 0.05% desoxymethasone, 0.1% betamethasone valerate and 1% hydrocortisone creams were compared in patients with eczema. A double-blind parallel group multi-centre design was employed in which 96 patients were recruited by four centres. Patients used one cream for a 3-week period and follow-up assessment visits were made at weekly intervals. Efficacy variables were: erythema/redness, scaling, itching and extent of area affected. These variables were assessed by both the investigator and the patient. The 0.25% desoxymethasone was the most effective treatment, producing the greatest degree of improvement in all clinical parameters, hydrocortisone was the least effective and 0.05% desoxymethasone was of intermediate effectiveness. The 0.1% betamethasone produced similar results to 0.25% desoxymethasone for half the assessments; for the other half the results were similar to 0.05% desoxymethasone. No adverse effects were reported during the study. The results are discussed in terms of physical properties of the vehicles and corticosteroid potency.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Controlled Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Topical
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Betamethasone / analogs & derivatives*
  • Betamethasone Valerate / administration & dosage*
  • Betamethasone Valerate / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Consumer Behavior
  • Desoximetasone / administration & dosage*
  • Desoximetasone / therapeutic use
  • Dexamethasone / analogs & derivatives*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Eczema / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Ointments
  • Random Allocation

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Ointments
  • Desoximetasone
  • Dexamethasone
  • Betamethasone
  • Betamethasone Valerate
  • Hydrocortisone