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

Abstract

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.