T HE present, study summarizes observations made during the past year on the use of topically applied hydrocortisone, or compound F, in a fairly large group of patients with representative allergic skin eruptions. There is considerable experimental as well. as clinical evidence indicating that hydrocortisone differs from cortisone, at least quantitatively, in its local effect OH tissues1 While it is well known that cortisone is capable of influencing the course of many types of allergic dermatoses when administered by oral or parenteral routes, very little, if any, response is evident when it is applied directly to cutaneous lesions,‘, -* although it is highly effective on local application in certain diseases of the eye.5 Hydrocortisone appears even more effective than cortisone in the local treatment of similar ocular condition@; in its direct action on inflamed joints7; and in its local effect on certain inflammatory cutaneous lesions.*. 9 Its value in the clinical management of atopic dermatitis and certain other eczematous eruptions has also been reported.“, 4 Our own clinical trials of suitable prepa,rations of hydrocortisone in ointment form indicated a marked influence on eczematous and some papulosquamous lesions, and little or no effect on urticarial t,ype of eruptions. The cases included in the present summary a,re those of atopic and contact dermatitis, as well as certain other possible allergic eruptions, and a small number of nonallergic dermatoses. It must of course be emphasized that any favorable effect which n1a.y ensue from the use of locally applied hormones in allergic dermatoses is ent,irely symptomatic in nature, and does not influence the underlying etiologic mechanism involved. Such relief, however, though temporary in nature, is a valuable adjunct in the mana,gement of these conditions, at least until a more adequate solution of the problem can be attained through the control or correction of basic underlying mechanisms. In addition, the advantages of successful local steroid therapy are considerable when the attenda,nt side effects of systemic hormonad treatment are considered.