THE ROLE OF CLOBETASOL PROPIONATE EMOLLIENT 0.05-PERCENT IN THE TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH DRY, SCALY, CORTICOSTEROID-RESPONSIVE DERMATOSES

The use of topical corticosteroids has significantly enhanced the trea tment of patients with dermatoses such as psoriasis and eczema. In par ticular, group I high-potency corticosteroids such as clobetasol propi onate have proved safe and effective for limited-course treatment of i nflammatory and pruritic manifestations of moderate-to-severe corticos teroid-responsive dermatoses. At the same time, much effort has gone i nto devising more effective strategies for addressing the dry skin con ditions associated with various dermatologic disorders, An emollient a dded to a steroid, although not itself an active ingredient, can help restore the normal moisturizing process of the skin; this may be parti cularly important in soothing the discomfort of the dry skin condition s often encountered in moderate-to-severe dermatoses, In addition, the degree of epidermal hydration can affect the penetration of steroids into the skin. Therefore. successful outcomes in the treatment of pati ents with corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses may involve more than u se of an effective topical steroid. This article examines a currently available cream formulation of 0.05% clobetasol propionate containing moisturizers-emollients, dimethicone, and a humectant-that may contrib ute to improved moisture content in treated skin, A review of recent s tudies shows that clobetasol propionate emollient cream Is well tolera ted and effective in courses of up to 4 weeks for the treatment of pat ients with psoriasis or atopic dermatitis.