Inhibition of elicitation of contact dermatitis in humans by mometasone furoate: evaluation by means of 20-MHz B scanning associated with image analysis.

Author(s): Di Nardo A, Giusti G, Mantovani L, Bianchi B, Seidenari S

Affiliation(s): Department of Dermatology, University of Modena, Italy.

Publication date & source: 1997, Dermatology., 195(2):137-41.

Publication type: Clinical Trial; Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND: Mometasone furoate (MF) is a new strongly lipophilic steroid which has an anti-inflammatory effect as evaluated by in vivo and in vitro studies. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to investigate the degree of inhibition of experimental allergic contact dermatitis induced by the treatment with MF. METHODS: The therapeutic effect was evaluated by an echographic method associated with image analysis. MF activity was compared to that of hydrocortisone acetate 0.5% (Cortaid Cream, Lachifarma), clobetasone butyrate 0.05% (Eumovate Cream, Glaxo) and clobetasol propionate 0.05% (Clobesol Cream, Glaxo), classified respectively as weak, moderately potent and very potent steroids. RESULTS: The different corticosteroid formulations employed for inhibiting experimentally induced contact dermatitis reflect the expected rank order of efficacy. CONCLUSION: MF behaves like clobetasol butyrate ranking as a moderately potent corticosteroid.