The Effects of Potent Topical Corticosteroids on Adrenocortical Function

Forty‐eight patients were treated using nine potent corticosteroid ointments administered by simple application and their adrenocortical function was examined during treatment. Adrenocortical function was not suppressed by beclomethasone dipropionate, betamethasone valerate, or fluocinonide; was moderately suppressed by diflucortolone valerate, budesonide, and halcinonide; and was markedly suppressed by clobetasol propionate, desoximetasone, and diflorasone diacetate. The dose relationship between topically applied clobetasol propionate ointment and orally administered betamethasone on adrenocortical suppression was also studied. The results suggest that excessive application of very strong topical corticosteroids has much the same effects as systemic administration of small doses of corticosteroids.