Use of Hydrocortisone and 9-AlphaFluorohydrocortisone Derivatives

Abstract

Several dermatologists*have accumulated data describing the therapeutic effectiveness of hydrocortisone compounds when applied topically to the skin in the relief of pruritus associated with atopic dermatoses, neurodermatoses, dermatitis venenata (industrial, household, cosmetic, and plant), pruritus ani and pruritus vulvae. The hydrocortisone acetate (compound F) and hydrocortisone free alcohol steroid have been utilized in various vehicles. Sulzberger4described the desirable effects of hydrocortisone acetate in 1%, 2.5%, and 5% in hydrous wool fat (lanolin) petrolatum, and polyethylene glycol (carbowax) bases. Although different ointment bases were essayed, the specific action of the steriod hydrocortisone, when applied topically to the skin, is conjectural; although its function is known to be morbidostatic, in that it reduces the local epidermal and dermal inflammatory state, permitting the epidermis and subcutaneous tissue to return to normal. On the basis of animal experimentation, Menkin5suggests that the hydrocortisone acts at the cellular level.