The Duhring chamber assay for corticosteroid atrophy

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
A new human model for the evaluation of the atrophogenicity of topical corticosteroids was proposed. Formulated corticosteroids (creams and ointments) were applied occlusively to normal forearm skin of human volunteers for 3 wk using Duhring chambers. Visible atrophy and telangiectasia were rated under a stereo-microscope on a histologically validated 5-point scale. There was a close correlation between parameters of atrophy and telangiectasia. Atrophogenicity varied among the tested corticosteroids, ranging from none (1% hydrocortisone) via moderate (0.1% betamethasone valerate) to severe (0.05% clobetasol propionate). A dose-response relationship with exposure time and concentration of the corticosteroid was demonstrated. The vehicle influenced the resulting atrophy and telangiectasia. Fatty ointments posed less risk than oil in water creams.