EFFECTS OF CLOBETASOL PROPIONATE AND EMOLLIENT VERSUS CLOBETASOL ALONE IN THE TREATMENT OF CHRONIC LICHENIFIED ECZEMA

This study was designed to evaluate the combined effects of the use of an emollient in conjunction with a potent topical corticosteroid and to compare the effects with the use of the same steroid alone in the t reatment of patients presenting with chronic lichenified eczema. In th is comparative randomized study, 40 patients (16 males and 24 females) were included and divided into two equal groups. Patients in group A were given clobetasol propionate ointment and those in group B clobeta sol propionate with an emollient lotion, both for twice-daily applicat ion. The patients were followed up weekly for a period of 4 weeks and assessed clinically for pruritus, scaling and lichenification on a sca le of 0-3. The mean sums of scores on week 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 were 6.44, 5.05, 4.72, 3.62 and 2.61 in group A patients and 8.10, 5.42, 3.01, 1 and 0 in group B patients, respectively. Thus there was a highly sign ificant difference in the clearance of lesions (P<0.001) in favour of group B (steroid with emollient) and this was achieved in a much short er time.