Effects of clobetasol propionate and emollient versus clobetasol alone in the treatment of chronic lichenified eczema

Abstract

This study was designed to evaluate the combined effects of the use of an emollient in conjunction with a potent topical corticosteroid and to compare the effects with the use of the same steroid alone in the treatment of patients presenting with chronic lichenified eczema. In this comparative randomized study, 40 patients (16 males and 24 females) were included and divided into two equal groups. Patients in group A were given clobetasol propionate ointment and those in group B clobetasol propionate with an emollient lotion, both for twice-daily application. The patients were followed up weekly for a period of 4 weeks and assessed clinically for pruritus, scaling and lichenification on a scale of 0–3. The mean sums of scores on week 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 were 6.44, 5.05, 4.72, 3.62 and 2.61 in group A patients and 8.10, 5.42, 3.01, 1 and 0 in group B patients, respectively. Thus there was a highly significant difference in the clearance of lesions (P < 0.001) in favour of group B (steroid with emollient) and t...