PITUITARY ADRENOCORTICOTROPIC HORMONE (ACTH) AND CORTISONE IN DISEASES OF THE SKIN

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Abstract
Reports are already available which indicate that pituitary adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisone may be of value in the treatment of certain dermatological diseases. Among those which seem to be benefited are pemphigus vulgaris, exfoliative dermatitis, urticaria, allergic eczema, psoriasis, disseminated lupus erythematosus, periarteritis nodosa and possibly dermatomyositis and scleroderma.1 On the other hand, these compounds appear to be ineffective or even detrimental in the treatment of herpes simplex, herpes zoster, varicella, moniliasis, sarcoidosis, acne and hirsutism.1b Recently an increased supply of pituitary adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisone has permitted their administration in larger dosage and for longer periods of time than was previously possible in most cases. The purpose of the present report is to summarize our experience with these hormones in the treatment of seven patients with pemphigus vulgaris or pemphigus vegetans, two with unclassified bullous eruptions and two with epidermolysis bullosa of the dystrophic type. SELECTION