Antipsoriatic effect of local corticosteroids-O2-consumption and blood flow measurements compared to clinical parameters

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Abstract
Ten patients with chronic plaque-type psoriasis were treated topically with the group IV corticosteroid clobetasol propionate cream (Dermovate) with and without occlusion with a semipermeable hydrocolloid dressing (Comfeel Coloplast, Denmark). The effect of treatment was compared with untreated skin and evaluated in terms of (a) O2-consumption as measured by the TCM-2-oxygen monitor from Radiometer, Denmark, (b) blood flow as measured by a laser-Doppler flowmeter (Perimed, Sweden), (c) temperature measurements using thermocouples and (d) a clinical score. While steroid+occlusion had a very pronounced effect measured by all parameters and apparent after 24 h, the steroid alone was only marginally effective after 7 days. No placebo effect was detectable in untreated skin with the laboratory methods used. It is suggested that the methods described can used to evaluate other treatment schedules.