Double-blind clinical trial of 0.05% clobetasol proprionate ointment in orabase and 0.05% fluocinonide ointment in orabase in the treatment of patients with oral vesiculoerosive diseases

Abstract

Because of their chronic nature treatment of oral vesiculoerosive diseases remains a challenge to the oral medicine specialist. Even though oral vesiculoerosive diseases respond well to systemic steroids, adverse side effects sometimes limit their use. Potent topical steroids are becoming increasingly useful to treat these chronic conditions with good control. The purpose of this double-blind clinical trial was to compare clobetasol propionate and fluocinonide ointment in orabase as treatments for controlling oral vesiculoerosive diseases. Sixty patients were asked to participate (43 women and 17 men). Data are reported for 55 patients. Each patient was seen at baseline and at days 7, 14, 21, and 28. Variables evaluated were pain, erythema, atrophy, and size of lesion. Overall, both medications had a beneficial effect in the control of symptoms and signs of oral vesiculoerosive diseases with minimal side effects. Clobetasol propionate was better than fluocinonide as measured by more rapid control of pain (within 7 days). Candidiasis was observed in 13 patients at the end of treatment (most of them carriers of Candida). Therefore normal carriers should be identified and treatment with antifungal therapy instituted before the patient begins using topical steroids.