An assessment of the relationship between vasoconstrictor assay findings, clinical efficacy and skin thinning effects of a variety of undiluted and diluted corticosteroid preparations

We have evaluated a number of diluted and undiluted topical corticosteroid preparations in terms of vasoconstrictor potency, clinical efficacy and skin thinning effects. We conclude that, for the materials tested so far, an area under the curve measurement obtained from serial readings of the vasoconstrictor assay allows reasonably accurate predictions to be made concerning the relative clinical efficacy and skin thinning potential of these agents. If further work with a wide range of topical corticosteroids confirms our findings, the value of the vasoconstrictor assay as a predictive model will be enhanced.