Double-blind bilateral paired comparison of 0.05% halobetasol propionate cream and its vehicle in patients with chronic atopic dermatitis and other eczematous dermatoses

Abstract

Six investigators evaluated 0.05% halobetasol propionate cream and its vehicle in 111 patients with chronic atopic dermatitis and several other eczematous dermatoses. Patients applied treatment twice daily to bilateral lesions for 14 days. Investigators graded pruritus, erythema, scaling, papulation, and lichenification using 4-point severity scales on days 0, 7, and 14. On day 14 patients provided an assessment of efficacy for both treatments. Statistically significant differences favoring halobetasol propionate over the vehicle were seen for all signs and symptoms (p less than 0.001). Substantial improvements were achieved by the active treatment by day 7 (p less than 0.001). Patients assessments of efficacy were significantly higher for halobetasol cream than for vehicle (p less than 0.001). No instances of systemic effects or skin atrophy were reported and adverse experiences were limited to burning or stinging and other minor, nonspecific complaints distributed uniformly between active treatment and vehicle. These results demonstrate that 0.05% halobetasol propionate cream is highly effective in the treatment of atopic dermatitis and other eczematous dermatoses.