Adrenocortical Suppression With Topical Flumethasone

Flumethasone pivalate cream, 0.03%, inuncted to the entire integument under polyethylene film wraps resulted in sufficient percutaneous corticosteroid absorption to cause adrenocortical suppression in three patients with severe, generalized, exfoliative dermatitis. Despite several recent reports indicating that this topical corticosteroid does not suppress adrenocortical function, it appears that this new, fluorinated steriod can cause such suppression if applied in sufficient amounts under occlusive dressings in patients with extensive and severe dermatoses.