Is Steroid tachyphylaxis preventable?

Summary DNA synthesis in hairless mouse epidermis was studied during twice daily and 72‐hourly application regimes of Metosyn, Betnovate and Dermovate ointments, and of 0.05% fluocinonide solution, in order to determine a treatment schedule for continuous suppression of epidermal cell DNA synthesis. Tachyphylaxis occurred with all the twice daily regimes but not with the 72 hourly application regimes of Dermovate and Betnovate ointments during the time of study. The onset of tachyphylaxis was delayed when fiuocinonide was applied in solution as opposed to ointment (Metosyn) form. Varying the steroid preparation within a 72 hourly application regime did not prevent the development of tachyphylaxis by 150 h.