Research Article
Observations on the systemic effect of topical clobetasol propionate (Dermovate).
Br Med J 1975; 4 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.4.5990.203 (Published 25 October 1975) Cite this as: Br Med J 1975;4:203- J A Carruthers,
- P J August,
- R C Staughton
Abstract
Topical application of clobetasol propionate in a strength of 0-05% in cream or ointment (Dermovate) suppressed the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in both normal people and patients with diseased skin. In normal people the 9 am serum cortisol level was suppressed when between 45 and 90 g was applied weekly. Insulin stress test results in patients with diseased skin showed an abnormally small response after long-term application of similar amounts. We conclude that long-term administration should be restricted to less than 50 g a week.