Comparison of 0.1 % Halcinonide with 0.05 % Betamethasone Dipropionate in the Treatment of Acute and Chronic Dermatoses

Abstract

A 4-week, bilateral, controlled study was carried out in 53 patients with various acute and chronic dermatoses to compare the effectiveness of 0.1% halcinonide in a water-miscible base, applied once daily, with 0.05% betamethasone dipropionate cream applied twice daily. Patients' response to treatment was assessed at the end of each week. Halcinonide proved to be equally as effective as betamethasone dipropionate in most and superior in some patients with psoriasis, lichen chronicus simplex, and atopic and neurodermatitis. There was also a prompt response to once daily treatment with halcinonide in patients with contact dermatitis, eczema of the hands, and more serious cases of eczema nummulare and allergic skin reactions, many of whom had failed to respond to previous topical steroid therapy. Both preparations were well tolerated and side-effects were noted in only 1 patient with psoriasis whose condition was aggravated by halcinonide. Only 3 patients had a relapse during the 1-month follow-up period after treatment was stopped.