[Therapy of erythrosquamous dermatoses. Betamethasone dipropionate plus salicylic acid in comparison with betamethasone dipropionate solution]

Abstract

Efficacy and tolerance of an alcoholic solution containing 0.64 mg betamethasone-dipropionate plus 20 mg salicylic acid (Diprosalic Solution) were compared with an alcoholic solution containing 0,64 mg betamethasone-dipropionate in a 3 week double blind study in 100 patients with psoriasis and other steroid-responsive dermatoses of dry nature, comprising scalp and other hairy and non-hairy areas of the body. This double blind study was followed by a 3 week open study in another 100 patients with similar diagnosis, using Diprosalic Solution only. Although the therapeutic results of the double blind study showed no significant differences between both treatment groups, distinct advantages of the drug containing salicylic acid could be clearly demonstrated, such as: 1. More rapid onset of action, 2. rapid clearing of scaling, pruritus and inflammation, 3. these advantages are in compliance with the fact that topically applied salicylic acid softens keratin, loosens cornified epithelium and desquamates the epidermis, making the underlying layers more accessible to the antiinflammatory steroid.